Cessna 185 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 476 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Aug 16, 2013 | Sleetmute, AK | N185SN | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. |
| Aug 08, 2013 | North Pole, AK | N75LE | Incident | substantial | The malfunction of the right main wheel brake during taxi due to a faulty O-ring in the right brake pedal master cylinder. |
| Jun 29, 2013 | Vehmersalmi, FI | OH-CEG | Fatal (3) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Mar 05, 2013 | Flat, AK | N2550Z | Incident | substantial | The pilot's inadequate compensation for gusting, variable wind conditions during initial climb after takeoff. |
| Oct 28, 2011 | Prineville, OR | N520YH | Incident | substantial |
A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the pilot inadvertently leaving the fuel selector set to the left tank. Contr…A total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, which resulted from the pilot inadvertently leaving the fuel selector set to the left tank. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s deviation from his normal habit pattern and his failure to refer to the in-flight engine failure checklist after the engine power loss. |
| Jul 25, 2011 | Kenai, AK | N9852X | Incident | substantial | The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, resulting in the ditching and sinking of the airplane in ocean waters. |
| Apr 30, 2011 | Bend, OR | N1679Z | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. |
| Dec 01, 2010 | Madras, OR | N1699Z | Incident | minor | The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane while in the traffic pattern to land, which resulted in a midair collision. |
| Oct 22, 2010 | Fort Thomas, AZ | N5011X | Incident | substantial | The airplane's encounter with a dust devil during landing rollout, which resulted in the pilot not being able to maintain directional control. |
| Oct 02, 2010 | Nazca, PE | OB-1808 | Fatal (6) | substantial | Investigation pending |
| Sep 12, 2010 | Paxson, AK | N4038Y | Serious (1) | substantial |
The pilot's decision to make a climbing turn close to the ground in gusting wind at a low airspeed, resulting in a loss of control and collision with …The pilot's decision to make a climbing turn close to the ground in gusting wind at a low airspeed, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain. |
| Dec 30, 2009 | Baindoang, PNG, PP | P2-MJL | Fatal (6) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Aug 16, 2009 | McCarthy, AK | N8209U | Incident | substantial |
The separation of the right main landing gear wheel from the airplane during landing for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inability to contr…The separation of the right main landing gear wheel from the airplane during landing for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inability to control the airplane. |
| May 18, 2009 | Tacoma, WA | N70083 | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing with a crosswind. |
| Sep 05, 2008 | Newberry, MI | N80MW | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from the wires on approach. Contributing to the accident was the sunshine, as reported by the pilot. |
| Jul 04, 2008 | McCarthy, AK | N80596 | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident w…The pilot's improper fuel management which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was an aerodynamic stall during the emergency landing, the pilot's fatigue, and his unfamiliarity with the airplane. |
| May 05, 2008 | Talkeetna, AK | N125KT | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Contributing to the accident was an inadvertent ground-loop. |
| Apr 26, 2008 | Bend, OR | N185NH | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was an unex…The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control. Contributing to the accident was an unexpected crosswind gust. |
| Apr 09, 2008 | Big Lake, AK | N185AR | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to fuel exhaustion. |
| Mar 05, 2008 | Takotna, AK | N1224F | Incident | substantial | The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff. |