Cessna 185 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 476 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

476

All Events

353

Incidents

51

Minor

23

Serious

43

Fatal (93 fatalities)
Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Oct 10, 2025 Phoenix, AZ N5806T Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with a left crosswind.
Oct 09, 2025 Rafaela, OF LV-ASL Incident substantial Investigation pending
Sep 27, 2025 Ilwaco, WA N186X Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Apr 07, 2025 Wausau, WI N1526F Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in shifting wind conditions.
Jun 24, 2024 Anchorage, AK N748WP Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions.
Sep 12, 2023 Healy, AK N34VV Incident substantial The pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing site, resulting in a nose over.
Aug 04, 2023 Iliamna, AK N9855X Incident substantial The passenger’s inadvertent application of brakes during landing that resulted in a nose over.
May 12, 2022 Franklin, CA N23FG Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.
Jul 06, 2021 Kenney Lake, AK N185YT Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with terrain…

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with terrain.
Oct 20, 2020 Anchorage, AK N850WB Incident substantial
The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion onto soft terr…

The pilot receiving instruction’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion onto soft terrain. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the pilot while landing.
May 17, 2020 Winifred, MT N185 Incident substantial
An inadequate flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the pilot's subsequent delayed decision to go-around that did not allow for sufficient clea…

An inadequate flare that resulted in a bounced landing and the pilot's subsequent delayed decision to go-around that did not allow for sufficient clearance from trees when the airplane was affected by a gusting wind.
May 06, 2020 Palmer, AK N185SZ Incident substantial The pilot’s decision to attempt to " water ski" atop a remote river in a wheel-equipped airplane, resulting in a loss of control and a nose over.
Jan 17, 2020 Laytonsville, MD N1557F Incident substantial
The failure of the tailwheel attachment tube during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and the lef…

The failure of the tailwheel attachment tube during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control, a runway excursion, and the left main landing gear collapsing.
Jun 08, 2019 Gulkana, AK N4057Y Incident substantial The pilot's loss of airplane control just before touchdown in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in ground loop after touchdown.
Feb 25, 2019 Ridgeland, SC N10044 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.
Aug 12, 2018 Brooks Range, AK N62882 Incident substantial The airplane's encounter with downdraft conditions during takeoff, which resulted in a subsequent loss of altitude and collision with terrain.
Aug 05, 2018 Lovelock, NV N9867X Incident substantial The pilot's improper in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.
Jun 15, 2018 Big Lake, AK N9964X Incident substantial The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll due to a flat tire.
Apr 23, 2017 Marsing, ID N4017Y Incident substantial The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a bounced landing, the failure of the right main landing gear wheel, and a ground loop.
Apr 23, 2015 Nome, AK N4554F Incident substantial The failure of the left main landing gear leg for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
Feb 11, 2015 Carson City, NV N185NV Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind which resulted in a ground loop.
Sep 07, 2014 Gakona, AK N432X Incident substantial The pilot's inability to maintain directional control after the airplane's main landing gear tire deflated during takeoff.
Mar 09, 2014 Eden Prairie, MN N4764B Incident substantial The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff with a gusty crosswind.
Sep 29, 2013 Pilot Point, AK N1592F Incident substantial The pilot's decision to land the airplane on the ramp, in the vicinity of buildings, in gusty wind conditions.
Sep 07, 2013 Mentasta Lake, AK N432X Incident substantial The pilots improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
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.
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