How many accidents has the Cessna 180A had?

The NTSB has recorded 61 events involving the Cessna 180A: 2 fatal, 1 serious, 7 minor injuries, and 51 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 180A a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 180A has 61 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 180A Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 61 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (3 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Feb 20, 2025	Waterville, WA	N7792A	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll.
Aug 17, 2024	Boise, ID	N5216D	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting wind conditions.
Apr 04, 2024	Nordman, ID	N5281D	Incident	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 05, 2023	Grand Prairie, TX	N889SL	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing. Contributing to the accident was the unexpected sudden wind shift.
Jun 19, 2015	Polson, MT	N9699B	Incident	substantial	A total loss of engine power during approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that woul… A total loss of engine power during approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
Aug 10, 2014	Salmon, ID	N7784A	Incident	substantial	A loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies tha… A loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.
May 13, 2014	Nampa, ID	N5281D	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
Jul 24, 2013	Anchorage, AK	N4814	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s loss of directional control of the airplane during a wheel landing.
Jun 20, 2012	Cascade, ID	N5351D	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Sep 14, 2011	McGrath, AK	N7814A	Incident	substantial	The pilot's loss of control when encountering a downdraft during the initial climb after takeoff, resulting in a collision with terrain.
Aug 20, 2011	Igiugig, AK	N26CZ	Incident	substantial	The pilot's decision to take off in a variable wind, resulting in a shallow climb and collision with terrain.
May 23, 2010	Kettle Falls, WA	N9104R	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility due to preci… The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from obstacles during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was the reduced visibility due to precipitation.
Oct 10, 2009	Condon, OR	N9586B	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the fence post on approach.
Jul 16, 2009	Anchorage, AK	N4UA	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a crosswind, which resulted in a ground-loop.
Oct 06, 2008	St. Louis, MO	N6180	Incident	substantial	The flight instructor's failure to maintain directional control during the landing.
Aug 01, 2007	Duluth, MN	N5016E	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in impact with terrain during an attempted aborted landing. A factor in the accid… The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in impact with terrain during an attempted aborted landing. A factor in the accident was the geese impacted during the landing roll.
Jul 13, 2007	Redding, CA	N5248D	Incident	substantial	Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision concerning fuel system management and his failure to refuel while en route.
Jul 01, 2007	Loveland, CO	N180EV	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing.
Jun 04, 2006	Marina, CA	N180LG	Incident	substantial	the installation of the unapproved forward seat stop by unknown maintenance personnel, which did not allow for full depth engagement of the seat lock … the installation of the unapproved forward seat stop by unknown maintenance personnel, which did not allow for full depth engagement of the seat lock pin, resulting in the seat slipping aft during the takeoff roll and subsequent loss of directional control. A contributing factor to the accident was the pilot's failure to secure the backup seat stop.
Mar 13, 2005	Orange Springs, FL	N5341D	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to abort the landing and his misjudgment of the runway distance needed to complete the landing.
Sep 12, 2004	Kasiloff, AK	N5304D	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper use of the carburetor heat control which resulted in carburetor ice and the loss of engine power. A factor associated with the a… The pilot's improper use of the carburetor heat control which resulted in carburetor ice and the loss of engine power. A factor associated with the accident was the carburetor icing conditions.
Apr 14, 2004	Las Vegas, NM	N8956Q	Incident	substantial	the pilot's decision to takeoff in wind conditions that consisted of a quarterly tailwind and a crosswind in excess of the maximum demonstrated crossw… the pilot's decision to takeoff in wind conditions that consisted of a quarterly tailwind and a crosswind in excess of the maximum demonstrated crosswind component, and his failure to maintain directional control.
Apr 26, 2003	Scottsdale, AZ	N9759B	Incident	substantial	The failure of a main landing gear axle bolt, and the subsequent separation of the right main landing gear wheel from the gear strut during the landin… The failure of a main landing gear axle bolt, and the subsequent separation of the right main landing gear wheel from the gear strut during the landing roll, which resulted in a collapse of the right main landing gear.
Aug 07, 2001	ARCTIC VILLAGE, AK	N81958	Incident	substantial	The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat during a go-around. Factors in the accident were carburetor icing conditions, and high vegetation in the … The pilot's improper use of carburetor heat during a go-around. Factors in the accident were carburetor icing conditions, and high vegetation in the landing area.
May 06, 2001	Mercer Island, WA	N9732B	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate visual lookout during an approach and landing in open water. Factors include a large wave/swell at the location where the pilot… the pilot's inadequate visual lookout during an approach and landing in open water. Factors include a large wave/swell at the location where the pilot elected to land his float-equipped airplane.

Disclaimer: This data is sourced from the NTSB Aviation Accident Database. NTSB events reflect reported accidents and incidents and do not necessarily indicate a defect in the aircraft type. Many events involve pilot error, weather conditions, maintenance issues, or other factors unrelated to the aircraft design. This information is provided for research purposes only — consult official NTSB reports for complete details.

← Cessna 180A For Sale All Cessna Models

Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data

Looking to buy a Cessna 180A? View 2 Cessna 180A for sale ↓

Cessna 180A Safety Record

Report an Issue