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 02, 2009 Wenatchee, WA N1015F Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged approach and failure to attain the proper touchdown point.
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.
May 03, 2008 Mexican Hat, UT N185KH Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Sep 26, 2007 Lexington, OR N6497E Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop/swerve.
Aug 26, 2007 Danube, NY N1344Q Incident substantial The pilot's mismanagement of the fuel supply.
Aug 19, 2007 Lake City, CO N185MR Incident substantial
The pilot's improper preflight planning, his inability to attain short field takeoff performance, and his intentional maneuvering of the airplane into…

The pilot's improper preflight planning, his inability to attain short field takeoff performance, and his intentional maneuvering of the airplane into bushes and a fence during the aborted takeoff. Factors contributing to the accident were the high density altitude and the tailwind.

Jul 20, 2007 Englewood, CO N78011 Incident substantial
THIS CASE WAS REVISED 10/31/2007. Low compression in number 2 cylinder, which reduced the airplane's climb capability. Contributing factors in thi…

THIS CASE WAS REVISED 10/31/2007. Low compression in number 2 cylinder, which reduced the airplane's climb capability. Contributing factors in this accident were the high density altitude conditions, and the tree.

May 18, 2007 Renton, WA N8045Q Incident substantial The pilot's loss of aircraft control during a landing attempt, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop.
May 02, 2007 Haines, AK N185M Incident substantial
The main landing gear attachment bolts to the right ski sheared during the landing roll in deep snow, resulting in a nose down, and structural damage …

The main landing gear attachment bolts to the right ski sheared during the landing roll in deep snow, resulting in a nose down, and structural damage to the right wing and aileron.

Apr 14, 2007 Ashland, ME N4756E Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while taxiing, which resulted in a nose over. A factor in this accident was the frozen, slush covere…

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control while taxiing, which resulted in a nose over. A factor in this accident was the frozen, slush covered lake.

May 20, 2006 Columbia, CA N5468E Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for the crosswind condition and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing rollout.
Jan 29, 2006 Pembroke, MA N7574N Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent impact with trees. A factor was the s…

The pilot's failure to maintain control during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a ground loop and subsequent impact with trees. A factor was the soft runway as reported by the pilot.

Oct 20, 2005 Lake Powell, UT N7377H Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an aborted water takeoff run which resulted in the airplane colliding with a canyon wall…

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from terrain during an aborted water takeoff run which resulted in the airplane colliding with a canyon wall. A contributing factor was the submerged object that the airplane struck during the takeoff run.

Sep 26, 2005 Tracy, CA N8548Q Incident substantial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Sep 14, 2005 Boulder, CO N4807 Incident substantial
the pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and his subsequent failure to recover from the bounced landing. Contributing factors were…

the pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and his subsequent failure to recover from the bounced landing. Contributing factors were the pilot's improper in-flight decision to land in deteriorating weather conditions, turbulence associated with thunderstorms, tailwind, and the wet runway.

Aug 05, 2005 Seattle, WA N4867C Incident substantial Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Jun 26, 2005 Elk Lake, MI N90MW Incident substantial The gear retraction not performed by the pilot.
Feb 03, 2005 Minneapolis, MN N1767R Incident substantial
A failure of the tail wheel locking mechanism which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landi…

A failure of the tail wheel locking mechanism which resulted in the pilot's inability to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll.

Aug 12, 2004 New Braunfels, TX N1666R Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control. A contributing factor was the crosswind.
Jul 24, 2004 Gridley, CA N93DM Incident destroyed The pilot's improper use of the rudder to correct for torque and P-factor effects and failure to maintain obstacle clearance.
Jul 16, 2004 Boise, ID N78RD Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll resulting in an inadvertent ground loop.
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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