Cessna A185F Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 308 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

308

All Events

215

Incidents

34

Minor

13

Serious

45

Fatal (82 fatalities)

Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Nov 12, 1998 YERINGTON, NV N204D Fatal (3) destroyed
the failure of the pilot to see and avoid the aircraft ahead, which was already established in the traffic pattern. The failure of both pilots announc…

the failure of the pilot to see and avoid the aircraft ahead, which was already established in the traffic pattern. The failure of both pilots announce their intentions on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency was a factor in this accident.

Aug 06, 1998 KETCHIKAN, AK N5314R Fatal (1) destroyed
Fuel starvation and the pilot's improper fuel tank selection. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's failure to follow the pre-takeoff …

Fuel starvation and the pilot's improper fuel tank selection. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's failure to follow the pre-takeoff checklist and trees.

Aug 04, 1998 PHILLIPS, WI N888KS Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance with trees. Contributing factors were fog, rain showers, and the trees.
Aug 26, 1995 BLOCK ISLAND, RI N4944E Fatal (4) destroyed
the pilot's failure to touch down a sufficient distance from shore, and his delay in aborting the landing. In addition, the pilot exceeded the airplan…

the pilot's failure to touch down a sufficient distance from shore, and his delay in aborting the landing. In addition, the pilot exceeded the airplane's weight and balance limits which reduced the airplane's performance.

Jan 03, 1995 TEHACHAPI, CA N94296 Fatal (1) destroyed
THE NONINSTRUMENT-RATED PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING TO REVERS…

THE NONINSTRUMENT-RATED PILOT'S CONTINUED FLIGHT INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED WHILE MANEUVERING TO REVERSE DIRECTION. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, AND ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.

Feb 11, 1994 STERLING HGTS, MI N53064 Fatal (2) destroyed
THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO ALCOHOL, WHICH LED TO HIS INTENTIONAL BUZZING, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITU…

THE PILOT'S IMPAIRMENT OF JUDGMENT AND PERFORMANCE DUE TO ALCOHOL, WHICH LED TO HIS INTENTIONAL BUZZING, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE (OR CLEARANCE) FROM OBSTACLES. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DARKNESS AND THE UNLIGHTED TOWER.

Aug 01, 1991 AMITCHIAK LAKE, AK N1687M Fatal (2) substantial
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING; THEREBY LOSING CONTROL. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE MOUNTAI…

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN THE AIRPLANE'S AIRSPEED ABOVE STALLING; THEREBY LOSING CONTROL. FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN, THE MOUNTAIN WAVE, AND INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE FROM WHICH TO RECOVER.

Aug 12, 1990 WRANGELL, AK N5317R Fatal (1) destroyed THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED. THE PILOT'S LACK OF RECENT EXPERIENCE IN THE CESSNA 185 WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.
Jun 15, 1989 ELY, MN N70466 Fatal (1) substantial LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR AN UNDETERMINED REASON. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS: THE PRESENCE OF TREES IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
Sep 13, 1985 CATAHOULA, LA N333WL Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jan 22, 1985 PINE VALLEY, CA N24BC Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Sep 20, 1984 FORT PECK, MT CGZWQ Fatal (1) substantial Investigation pending
Aug 26, 1984 LAKE DELTON, WI N61584 Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 30, 1984 DEL RIO, TX N6102E Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jun 03, 1984 HOUMA, LA N4665E Fatal (2) destroyed Investigation pending
Nov 08, 1983 4NM W OF BORING, OR N53079 Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Nov 05, 1983 FREEMASON IS., LA N61394 Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jan 21, 1983 NYAC, AK N61764 Fatal (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Aug 31, 1982 CLARKS POINT, AK N3357S Fatal (1) destroyed Investigation pending
Jul 24, 1982 11NM EAST OF SI, AK N9682Q Fatal (4) destroyed Investigation pending
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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