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
Jun 18, 2011 Trinca, NJ N714TX Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control, and the flight instructor's inadequate remedial action, which resulted in a ground-loop.
May 17, 2011 Talkeetna, AK N125KT Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
May 03, 2011 Ocean City, NJ N6389E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Apr 28, 2011 Hot Springs, AR N2530S Incident substantial The pilot’s improper recovery from a bounced landing.
Mar 24, 2011 Ashland, ME N724MT Fatal (1) substantial An inadvertent encounter with localized instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.
Mar 19, 2011 Aniak, AK N5182H Incident substantial The inadvertent contact with a rut in the snow while taxiing, resulting in the collapse of the right main landing gear.
Mar 07, 2011 Belle Chase, LA N434JG Incident substantial The pilot's failure to ensure that the landing gear was retracted for the water landing.
Sep 13, 2010 Rushville, NE N714AL Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the loss of visual reference due …

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the loss of visual reference due to the sun glare.

Aug 11, 2010 Farmington, NM N4492 Incident substantial
Pre-existing damage of the through-bolt that attached the inboard end of the gear leg to the airframe hard-point, likely caused during maintenance on …

Pre-existing damage of the through-bolt that attached the inboard end of the gear leg to the airframe hard-point, likely caused during maintenance on the gear.

Aug 01, 2010 Newfane, NY N4976E Fatal (1) substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to his diverted attention, which resulted in a collision with trees during the initial climb afte…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to his diverted attention, which resulted in a collision with trees during the initial climb after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the passenger's attempt to secure the jump door after it opened during takeoff.

Aug 01, 2010 Rockwood, ME N369E Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear prior to a water landing. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's impairment due to medication.
Jul 18, 2010 Coeur d'Alene, ID N619VM Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for a wind gust during the landing roll.
Jun 23, 2010 Bryce Canyon, UT N55TA Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswinds during takeoff.
Oct 18, 2009 Sand Coulee, MT N1677R Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a crosswind.
Jul 30, 2009 River Falls, WI N989DM Incident substantial
The pilot not checking the security of the fuel caps prior to flight leading to fuel exhaustion and the subsequent non-mechanical loss of engine power…

The pilot not checking the security of the fuel caps prior to flight leading to fuel exhaustion and the subsequent non-mechanical loss of engine power during descent.

Jul 06, 2009 Skwentna, AK N4448R Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to recognize his proximity to the glassy water landing surface while flying in smoke haze, and his failure to maintain a proper de…

The pilot's failure to recognize his proximity to the glassy water landing surface while flying in smoke haze, and his failure to maintain a proper descent rate during the landing approach.

Jun 02, 2009 Wenatchee, WA N1015F Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged approach and failure to attain the proper touchdown point.
Apr 29, 2009 Patterson, LA N4603E Minor substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in a turn while attempting to return to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing …

The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed in a turn while attempting to return to land, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Contributing to the accident was the reported loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Apr 16, 2009 Bisbee, AZ N7802F Incident substantial The flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight and inadequate recovery from a bounced landing.
Dec 05, 2008 Alton, IL N185KS Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to compensate for the crosswind during landing, resulting in loss of control of the aircraft and the subsequent nose-over of the a…

The pilot's failure to compensate for the crosswind during landing, resulting in loss of control of the aircraft and the subsequent nose-over of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the crosswind.

Oct 19, 2008 Angleton, TX N93291 Incident substantial
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the pilot to execute the forced …

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the pilot to execute the forced landing.

Oct 09, 2008 Kenai, AK N9380N Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from high vegetation while taxiing after landing.
Sep 04, 2008 Lakeview, OR N185ZZ Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor was the rough terrain.
Jul 24, 2008 Shelton, WA N6320N Fatal (2) destroyed The pilot's failure to attain and maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.
Jun 28, 2008 Rainier, OR N5403E Minor substantial The inadvertent extension of the left float's landing gear to near the down position due to a failure of the gear's rear hydraulic seal.
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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