Cessna 185 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 476 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2023 | Sao Paulo, BR | PP-NIK | Fatal (2) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Feb 04, 2021 | Chitina, AK | N9725Z | Fatal (2) | substantial | An in-flight breakup during cruise flight for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence. |
| Jun 22, 2015 | Fort McMurray, CA | C-FAXO | Fatal (2) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Jun 29, 2013 | Vehmersalmi, FI | OH-CEG | Fatal (3) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Oct 02, 2010 | Nazca, PE | OB-1808 | Fatal (6) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Dec 30, 2009 | Baindoang, PNG, PP | P2-MJL | Fatal (6) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| May 28, 2007 | Wilbur, WA | N9434N | Fatal (1) | substantial | In-flight collision with terrain shortly after takeoff for undetermined reasons. |
| Oct 17, 2005 | Limestone Lake, CA | N9222H | Fatal (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Jun 01, 2005 | Neiva, CO | HK-3014 | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Dec 05, 2004 | Renton, WA | N532PC | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control when the flaps became jammed/stuck in their full-down position during a takeoff from a touch-and-go l…The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control when the flaps became jammed/stuck in their full-down position during a takeoff from a touch-and-go landing. Factors include a worn/disconnected flap latch mechanism, and the flaps being unable to be retracted. |
| Jun 20, 2004 | Sukabumi, ID | L1811 | Fatal (6) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Aug 09, 2003 | Prto. Echeverry, CO | HK-1661P | Fatal (2) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| May 28, 2003 | Talkeetna, AK | N70176 | Fatal (4) | destroyed |
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall, an uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with terrain…The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall, an uncontrolled descent and in-flight collision with terrain. A factor associated with the accident was rising terrain. |
| Aug 10, 2001 | TYONEK, AK | N4849C | Fatal (1) | substantial |
A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel system contamination with water, and the pilot's inadequate preflight procedures. A factor in…A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel system contamination with water, and the pilot's inadequate preflight procedures. A factor in the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing. |
| Jul 27, 2001 | Yakutat, AK | N3800Q | Fatal (1) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Nov 15, 2000 | JENA, LA | N6232E | Fatal (1) | destroyed | The pilot's decision to land on a highway with vehicle traffic and obstacles and his failure to maintain proper clearance from the obstacles. |
| Sep 28, 2000 | VARGAS, VE | 2463P | Fatal (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Jun 20, 2000 | TALKEETNA, AK | N1589F | Fatal (4) | destroyed |
The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and subsequent in-flight break-up. Factors in the accident were weather conditions…The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and subsequent in-flight break-up. Factors in the accident were weather conditions consisting of low ceilings, turbulence, and an occluded front with convective activity, and inadequate oversight of the flight by company management. |
| Jun 18, 1998 | BIG LAKE, AK | N9982X | Fatal (1) | destroyed |
The pilot's performance of a low level maneuver. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type o…The pilot's performance of a low level maneuver. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type of airplane, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain. |
| Apr 09, 1998 | NIGHTMUTE, AK | N5485R | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft co…The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Factors in the accident were meteorological conditions consisting of low ceilings, and blowing snow, and the pilot's failure to obtain a preflight weather briefing. |
| Oct 23, 1997 | DAMASCUS, OR | N714 | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident included: darkness, and hilly/mountaino…failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident included: darkness, and hilly/mountainous terrain. |
| Jun 14, 1997 | BAGOTVILLE, CA | N4758E | Fatal (3) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Apr 09, 1997 | TATITLEK, AK | N59AK | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
The command pilots of both airplanes inadequate visual outlook which led to their failure to see and avoid each other's airplane. A factor associated…The command pilots of both airplanes inadequate visual outlook which led to their failure to see and avoid each other's airplane. A factor associated with the accident was sunglare. |
| Nov 30, 1996 | MARSHALL, AK | N93829 | Fatal (2) | destroyed |
failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the t…failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. |
| Sep 14, 1995 | PETERSBURG, AK | N90033 | Fatal (2) | destroyed | The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed above the airplane's stall speed. The high terrain and low ceiling (clouds) were related factors. |