Cessna A185E Aircraft in Idaho

← Cessna 185 family

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.

Cessna A185E aircraft for sale

· 6-seat · Reference price ~$325,000 ($200,000–$550,000) · updated recently

Cessna A185E Specifications

Model spec

The 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).

Performance
Cruise145 kt (269 km/h)
Max Speed150–152 kt (278–282 km/h)
Range720 nm (1,333 km)
Service Ceiling17,150–17,800 ft (5,227–5,425 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL IO-520-D
Horsepower300 HP
Fuel Capacity74.0–84.0 gal (280–318 L)
Fuel Burn14.0–15.5 GPH (53–59 L/h)
TBO1,700–2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC185
Weights & Seats
Seats6
Max Gross Weight3,350 lbs (1,520 kg)
Useful Load1,440 lbs (653 kg)
Production1971–1985

Cessna A185E for Sale

No Cessna A185E currently listed for sale.

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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

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Cessna A185E Price & Cost

Cessna A185E Price Guide

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.

Cessna A185E Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (14.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$8,680/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$22,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$160/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,700 hrs)$35,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

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 guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

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

The Cessna A185E is a six-seat, fixed-gear taildragger in the 185 Skywagon family - a 300-hp Continental IO-520-D, approximately 145 knots cruise, and the Skywagon's large useful load. It shares the 185's core utility character in an earlier-letter airframe.

A185E in the Skywagon family. The A185 versions could be equipped for utility and aerial-work roles (the Ag Carryall configuration) while retaining the core Skywagon capability. The A185E's specifications are near-identical to later 185 variants; for buyers, condition and price drive the choice, since the 300-hp IO-520-D platform is consistent across the A185 family.

Tailwheel endorsement required. As with all 185 variants, a tailwheel endorsement is required for pilot-in-command, and the conventional gear rewards proficiency with genuine backcountry and float capability.

Buy it if you find a well-maintained A185E at appropriate value within the 185 family - its utility character, useful load, and Continental IO-520-D engine are consistent with later 185 variants.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna A185E

What is the Cessna A185E?
The A185E is an early member of the 185 Skywagon family — a high-wing, conventional-gear (taildragger) six-seat single with a powerful Continental engine, built for serious bush, float and utility work.
How much does a Cessna A185E cost?
Used A185E Skywagons hold their value strongly. Prices depend on condition, engine time, float capability and backcountry modifications. See the live price range and median above.
What engine does the Cessna A185E use?
A Continental IO-520 in the 285 to 300-horsepower class. Engine time since overhaul, plus float and backcountry modifications, are key value factors.
Can the Cessna A185E fly on floats?
Yes — the 185 is one of the most popular floatplanes and amphibians ever built, and float-equipped examples command a strong premium.
How many seats does a Cessna A185E have?
Six in typical configuration.
What is the difference between the Cessna 180 and 185?
The 185 is the more powerful development of the 180, with a larger engine and greater useful load, making it the heavier-hauling bush and float aircraft. The 180 is lighter and lower-priced.
Is the Cessna A185E still in production?
No — 185 production ended in 1985. A devoted utility and float community and parts network keep the Skywagon well supported.

Cessna A185E Inventory by Country

United States2

Cessna A185E Inventory by State

Oregon4
Texas4
Alaska4
Illinois2
Oklahoma2
Washington2
Florida2
Idaho2

Cessna A185E by Price

Under $200k7
Under $300k36
Under $500k63

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.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed recently · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data