How many accidents has the Cessna A185E had?

The NTSB has recorded 73 events involving the Cessna A185E: 6 fatal, 5 serious, 10 minor injuries, and 52 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna A185E a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna A185E has 73 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna A185E Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 73 events recorded from 1982 to 2025.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (8 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Aug 02, 2025	Warren, ID	N2252T	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to adequately compensate for a wind gust during the departure roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a runway e… The pilot’s failure to adequately compensate for a wind gust during the departure roll, which resulted in a loss of directional control and a runway excursion.
Oct 12, 2024	Seattle, WA	N185WK	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll with a crosswind.
Aug 14, 2024	Eveleth, MN	N2248T	Incident	substantial	Water contamination of the fuel system which resulted in a total loss of engine power. Contributing was the pilot’s inadequate preflight.
Jun 13, 2024	Nampa, ID	N2768J	Incident	substantial	Loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.
Oct 22, 2022	York, PA	N36ZN	Incident	substantial	Oil starvation of the number 1 connecting rod bearings, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
May 27, 2022	Willow, AK	N1694M	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing which resulted in a nose over.
Jul 11, 2017	Nampa, ID	N185LC	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during the landing roll.
Jan 07, 2015	Lewiston, ME	N70037	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to properly set the throttle prior to engine start, which resulted in a loss of control and collision with parked airplanes.
Apr 19, 2014	Somerville, NJ	N2219T	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusty crosswind.
Jul 29, 2013	Kotzebue, AK	N4557F	Incident	substantial	The pilot's lack of situational awareness and failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident… The pilot's lack of situational awareness and failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain during takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident was the check airmen’s inadequate supervision.
Apr 07, 2013	Cottonwood, ID	N2303Y	Incident	substantial	The pilot’s failure to see and avoid an object on the grass airstrip during the takeoff.
Jan 05, 2013	Skwentna, AK	N4538F	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a main landing gear collapse.
Oct 22, 2012	Talkeetna, AK	N1694M	Incident	substantial	The pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain for landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
Mar 10, 2010	Ophir, AK	N70039	Incident	substantial	The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
Aug 26, 2006	Valentine, NE	N4730Q	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop by the pilot. A … The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop by the pilot. A factor contributing to the accident was the gusting crosswind condition.
Jun 06, 2006	Turner, ME	N185RW	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to obtain the proper touchdown point, resulting in a runway undershoot, and substantial damage to the airplane.
Jun 04, 2006	Park Valley, UT	N185JF	Incident	substantial	Incapacitation of the pilot secondary to a myocardial infarction. A ditch was a contributing factor.
Jan 30, 2006	Lewiston, ID	N2303Y	Incident	substantial	The failure of the left main landing gear attaching bolt, which resulted in the left main gear collapsing during the landing roll.
Sep 01, 2005	San Andreas, CA	N1644M	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane upon encountering a dust devil during the takeoff roll.
Apr 18, 2005	Wasilla, AK	N4557F	Incident	substantial	The flight instructor's failure to provide adequate supervision of the second pilot during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control and a… The flight instructor's failure to provide adequate supervision of the second pilot during the landing roll, which resulted in a loss of control and an intentional ground-loop by the instructor. A factor in the accident was the dual student's ( a certificated private pilot) loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Mar 09, 2005	Tucson, AZ	N4530F	Incident	substantial	a loss of directional control due to the failure of unknown maintenance personnel to install the tailwheel-locking collar, and the inadequate maintena… a loss of directional control due to the failure of unknown maintenance personnel to install the tailwheel-locking collar, and the inadequate maintenance inspection of the worn tailwheel steering arm.
Oct 14, 2003	Cedarville, MI	N3399L	Incident	substantial	A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor associated with the accident was the rough terrain on which the airplane was landed.
May 23, 2002	Grand Marais, MN	N4747Q	Incident	substantial	The pilot displayed inadequate compensation for the wind conditions that existed at the time of the accident and directional control was not maintaine… The pilot displayed inadequate compensation for the wind conditions that existed at the time of the accident and directional control was not maintained. A factor associated with the accident was the crosswind weather condition.
Apr 28, 2002	Greeley, CO	N4730Q	Incident	substantial	the inadvertent ground loop during landing roll. A contributing factor was the partial brake system failure.
Oct 21, 2001	Winnemucca, NV	N7711L	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, failure to maintain directional control and use of excessive braking, which resulted in t… The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, failure to maintain directional control and use of excessive braking, which resulted in the airplane nosing over.

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 A185E Safety Record

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