Cessna 185F Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 106 events recorded from 1982 to 2007.

106

All Events

77

Incidents

14

Minor

6

Serious

8

Fatal (13 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jun 15, 2006 Anchorage, AK N714JE Incident substantial The loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, which resulted in an emergency landing and an in-flight collision with trees.
Sep 12, 2005 Bettles, AK N58316 Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate compensation for a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent ground-loop during the landing roll.…

The pilot's inadequate compensation for a gusty crosswind, which resulted in a loss of control and an inadvertent ground-loop during the landing roll. Factors associated with the accident were the ground-loop and gusts.

Apr 28, 2005 Anchorage, AK N2658S Incident substantial
A total loss of engine power during descent due to a loose mixture control linkage, and the pilot/owner's failure to maintain the airplane's annual in…

A total loss of engine power during descent due to a loose mixture control linkage, and the pilot/owner's failure to maintain the airplane's annual inspection schedule, which resulted in a forced landing in an area that contained power lines and trees.

Apr 08, 2005 Medford, OR N4948Q Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. Factors include variable winds that at times were crosswinds.
Oct 01, 2004 Santa Fe, NM N714MX Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll resulting in a ground loop. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind.
Aug 08, 2004 Wasilla, AK N61609 Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind during landing and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a loss of control …

The pilot's failure to compensate for a crosswind during landing and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with a ditch. A factor contributing to the accident was a crosswind.

Jun 24, 2004 Bozeman, MT N4585F Incident substantial
The failure of the right main gear brake disk attach flange during the landing roll, due to fatigue cracks emanating from numerous corrosion pits pres…

The failure of the right main gear brake disk attach flange during the landing roll, due to fatigue cracks emanating from numerous corrosion pits present on the surface of the disk, leading to the right brake becoming totally inoperative, and resulting in a rapid inadvertent ground-loop. Factors include hard braking applied by the pilot in order to turn off the active runway at an early taxiway, and considerable corrosion on the surface of the brake disk flange.

Feb 13, 2004 Mesa, AZ N4836Q Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. …

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. A factor in this accident was the pilot's diverted attention.

Jan 14, 2004 Deer Park, WA N185WB Incident substantial
The dual student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the failure of the flight instructor to provide remedial …

The dual student pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and the failure of the flight instructor to provide remedial action. A factor was snowbank.

Jun 26, 2003 Lexington, OR N6497E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing roll. A partially deflated tire and soft terrain were factors.
Jun 15, 2002 Talkeetna, AK N333DG Incident substantial
A fracture failure of the lower end of the spring steel landing gear strut. Factors contributing to the accident were the manufacturer's and the FAA'…

A fracture failure of the lower end of the spring steel landing gear strut. Factors contributing to the accident were the manufacturer's and the FAA's insufficient standards/requirements for inspection procedures.

Apr 29, 2002 Cumberland, WI N8081E Incident substantial the failure of the pilot to maintain directional control after encountering high winds and gusty winds during taxi from landing.
Dec 18, 2001 RENO, NV N5172R Incident substantial
Wear on the tail wheel thrust plate spacers resulted in the compression springs binding on the thrust plates and the tail wheel sticking, so that the …

Wear on the tail wheel thrust plate spacers resulted in the compression springs binding on the thrust plates and the tail wheel sticking, so that the pilot could not maintain directional control.

Oct 06, 2001 Bethel, AK N9344N Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions. Factors associated in the accident were a crosswind, and a worn tailwheel steering horn.
Sep 02, 2001 KING SALMON, AK N177BM Incident substantial An overload failure of the main axle attaching bolts, and subsequent separation of the axle from the landing gear strut.
Aug 22, 2001 Cordova, AK N111FB Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were trees and a variable wind.
Jul 22, 2001 VISALIA, CA N1728R Incident substantial The pilot failed to maintain clearance from crops which bordered the narrow runway.
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.
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.
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.

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 16, 1998 FAIRBANKS, AK N93904 Incident substantial The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff and his failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance.
Aug 12, 1998 VENICE, LA N4810 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during high speed step-taxi. A factor was the swell left by the boat.
Jun 21, 1998 CHITINA, AK N80596 Incident substantial The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing. Factors in the accident were uneven and soft terrain on the landing strip.
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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