Cessna A185E Aircraft in Florida
Florida is a major used-aircraft transaction state with high concentration of flight schools, dealers and aviation events (Sun 'n Fun, Naples, Vero Beach, Lakeland). The flat terrain and dense GA airport network make Florida ideal for cross-country training and recreational flying year-round.
The Cessna A185E Skywagon is a six-seat, single-engine tailwheel aircraft, the heavy-duty utility variant of the Cessna 185 series. Powered by a Continental IO-520 engine producing 300 horsepower, the A185E burns approximately 14 gallons per hour and is renowned as one of the finest bush aircraft ever built. The tailwheel configuration, high-wing design, and powerful engine give the A185E outstanding short-field performance and the ability to carry substantial loads into remote airstrips.
The Cessna A185E appeals to serious bush pilots, backcountry flying enthusiasts, and commercial operators in Alaska and northern Canada. On floats, wheels, or skis, the 185 series is arguably the most capable certified single-engine utility aircraft available. Strong demand keeps values high, and the dedicated owner community provides excellent support.
· 6-seat · Reference price ~$325,000 ($200,000–$550,000) · updated recently
Cessna A185E Specifications
Model specThe Cessna A185E is a 6-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 145 kt (269 km/h), a range of 720 nm (1,333 km), and a useful load of 1,440 lbs (653 kg).
Cessna A185E for Sale
No Cessna A185E currently listed for sale.
This page updates automatically the moment one is listed — check back soon, or browse the Cessna range.
Cessna A185E Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185 | 1961–1985 | 6 | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | $140K – $378K | The 185 Skywagon is the high-power, high-payload Cessna taildragger — choose a later A185F for the most refined airframe and the IO-520 engine, or an earlier model for a lower entry price. If you need less power and a lower running cost, the lighter Cessna 180 Skywagon → covers the same utility role. | 22 |
| A185F | 1973–1985 | 6 | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | $200K – $425K | The most numerous late Skywagon — a six-seat taildragger for serious bush and float work that holds its value strongly. | 19 |
| 185F | 1973–1985 | 6 | 145 kts (269 km/h) | 720 nm (1,333 km) | 1,440 lbs (653 kg) | $190K – $450K | A late Skywagon — a powerful six-seat taildragger for serious bush and float work that holds its value strongly. | 16 |
Compare Cessna A185E
Detailed comparisons for the Cessna A185E are being prepared.
Browse all Cessna models →Cessna A185E Price & Cost
Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.
Consistent with the 185 family: approximately 14-15 gph, established IO-520-D overhaul cost, and a standard taildragger annual inspection. As a slightly older 185 variant, initial reconditioning items may be more common than on later letters - budget accordingly at acquisition.
Buying a Used Cessna A185E
Buying a Cessna A185E comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:
What to check before buying
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna A185E
What is the Cessna A185E?
How much does a Cessna A185E cost?
What engine does the Cessna A185E use?
Can the Cessna A185E fly on floats?
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What is the difference between the Cessna 180 and 185?
Is the Cessna A185E still in production?
Cessna A185E Inventory by Country
| United States | 2 |
Cessna A185E Inventory by State
| Oregon | 4 |
| Texas | 4 |
| Alaska | 4 |
| Illinois | 2 |
| Oklahoma | 2 |
| Washington | 2 |
| Florida | 2 |
| Idaho | 2 |
Cessna A185E by Price
| Under $200k | 7 |
| Under $300k | 36 |
| Under $500k | 63 |
Other Cessna Aircraft
| Cessna Citation III / VII | 26 |
| Cessna Citation II | 21 |
| Cessna Citation I | 12 |
| Cessna Caravan | 8 |
Cessna A185E Safety Record
Across all A185E variants, 73 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
73
Total Events
52
Incidents
5
Serious
6
Fatal
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 02, 2025 | Warren, ID | Incident | The pilot’s failure to adequately compensate for a wind gust during the departure roll, which resulted in a loss of dire… |
| Oct 12, 2024 | Seattle, WA | Incident | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll with a crosswind. |
| Aug 14, 2024 | Eveleth, MN | Incident | Water contamination of the fuel system which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s inad… |
| Jun 13, 2024 | Nampa, ID | Incident | Loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. |
| Oct 22, 2022 | York, PA | Incident | Oil starvation of the number 1 connecting rod bearings, which resulted in a total loss of engine power. |
NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna A185E variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.