How many accidents has the Cessna 185 had?

The NTSB has recorded 476 events involving the Cessna 185: 43 fatal, 23 serious, 51 minor injuries, and 353 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 185 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 185 has 476 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 185 Safety Record

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

476

All Events

353

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (93 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Jul 27, 2001	Yakutat, AK	N3800Q	Fatal (1)	substantial	Investigation pending
Jul 26, 2001	Yakutat, AK	N85CG	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area. A factor associated with the accident were trees.
Jul 22, 2001	VISALIA, CA	N1728R	Incident	substantial	The pilot failed to maintain clearance from crops which bordered the narrow runway.
Jul 07, 2001	CANTWELL, AK	N2248T	Incident	substantial	The student pilot's failure to abort a landing resulting in an overrun. Factors in the accident were the pilot's diverted attention, and gusty wind c… The student pilot's failure to abort a landing resulting in an overrun. Factors in the accident were the pilot's diverted attention, and gusty wind conditions.
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.
Nov 05, 2000	CARSON CITY, NV	N185CY	Incident	substantial	Fuel starvation precipitated by the pilot's continued use of the fuel selector valve that was not seating in the detents properly.
Oct 17, 2000	DRIGGS, ID	N93981	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors include soft terrain adjacent to the runway.
Sep 28, 2000	VARGAS, VE	2463P	Fatal (1)	destroyed	Investigation pending
Sep 16, 2000	BURNET, TX	N34NC	Minor	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing. A factor was the crosswind.
Aug 17, 2000	KAKTOVIK, AK	N1205F	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area on the airstrip. Factors associated with this accident were the rough takeoff area, and the pilot… The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area on the airstrip. Factors associated with this accident were the rough takeoff area, and the pilot's loss of directional control.
Aug 17, 2000	YAKUTAT, AK	N185M	Incident	substantial	The total fatigue failure of the right main landing gear leg.
Aug 12, 2000	BARROW, AK	N20752	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. A factor in the accident was a hidden obstruction, and soft terrain.
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 06, 2000	MOAB, UT	N185RL	Incident	destroyed	The fire in the engine compartment for unknown reason.
May 19, 2000	ANCHORAGE, AK	N1789	Minor	substantial	The pilot's improper remedial action and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing. A factor in the accident was the… The pilot's improper remedial action and his failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing. A factor in the accident was the pilot's excessive use of the airplane brakes.
May 18, 2000	BORREGO SPRINGS, CA	N9955X	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Apr 30, 2000	POTTSTOWN, PA	N6535E	Incident	substantial	The second pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. Factors related to the accide… The second pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions and the inadequate supervision of the flight instructor. Factors related to the accident were the crosswind and gusting wind conditions.
Mar 07, 2000	INCLINE VILLAGE, NV	N4021Y	Minor	substantial	The pilot's inadvertent landing on water with the wheels of the amphibious float plane extended.
Feb 12, 2000	SARATOGA SPRNGS, NY	N8425Q	Incident	substantial	The pilot's loss of control of the airplane during the landing.
Dec 23, 1999	CHENEGA BAY, AK	N70021	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area during the incoming tide. Factors associated with the accident were the incoming tide wave, and t… The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area during the incoming tide. Factors associated with the accident were the incoming tide wave, and the pressure induced by the delays encountered picking up the passengers.
Sep 19, 1999	PILOT POINT, AK	N60859	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions, a … The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors in the accident were the pilot's inadequate evaluation of the weather conditions, a downdraft, and swampy terrain.
Sep 15, 1999	DELTA JUNCTION, AK	N85LC	Minor	substantial	Corrosion and a fatigue failure of the lower end of the landing gear strut. Factors in the accident were the manufacturer's and the FAA's insufficien… Corrosion and a fatigue failure of the lower end of the landing gear strut. Factors in the accident were the manufacturer's and the FAA's insufficient standards/requirements for life limits and inspection procedures.
Jul 22, 1999	KODIAK, AK	N4949E	Minor	substantial	The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor in this accident was the mountainous terrain in which the pilot had to perform a fo… The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor in this accident was the mountainous terrain in which the pilot had to perform a forced landing.
Jul 14, 1999	RENTON, WA	N532PC	Incident	substantial	Failure of the pilot-in-command to maintain directional control after landing, resulting in a ground loop.
Jul 09, 1999	BECKWOURTH, CA	N6XS	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and subsequent failure to maintain directional control.

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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Cessna 185 Safety Record

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