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
Jul 16, 2004 Cut Bank, MT N185S Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll.
Feb 29, 2004 Tucson, AZ N338H Incident substantial the pilot's inadequate compensation for the quartering tailwind and failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout.
Feb 07, 2004 FOWLER, CA N8702Z Incident substantial
the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power due to an inadequate fuel supply. A fa…

the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power due to an inadequate fuel supply. A factor in the accident was the pilot's lack of familiarity with the airplane.

Aug 23, 2003 Marion, OH N44222 Incident substantial Fatigue and corrosion of the right main landing gear attachment, which resulted in a gear collapse while landing.
Jul 22, 2003 Angel Fire, NM N60VA Incident substantial
the instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in the pilot's loss of directional control and the subsequent impact with the ditch. Contributi…

the instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in the pilot's loss of directional control and the subsequent impact with the ditch. Contributing factors include the instructor's inadequate remedial action and the inadvertent ground loop/swerve.

Jul 01, 2003 Eveleth, MN N30CM Incident substantial The pilot's misjudgment of speed and distance resulting in an overrun. Factors were the ditch embankment, and the tailwind component.
Jun 07, 2002 ANGWIN, CA N714WH Incident substantial The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions resulted in a loss of directional control and a ground loop/swerve.
Jun 01, 2002 Necedah, WI N185NR Incident substantial Directional control of the airplane not maintained by the pilot. The gusting winds was a contributing factor.
Oct 03, 2001 Houma, LA N727 Incident substantial the pilot's high flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jun 16, 2001 Ash Fork, AZ N4805 Incident substantial The pilot's misjudged touchdown location on a short runway. Contributing factors were the presence of a tailwind and the proximity of trees.
Apr 16, 2001 Fayetteville, NC N252W Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane after encounter wind gusts during landing roll resulting in the airplane ground lo…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane after encounter wind gusts during landing roll resulting in the airplane ground looping to the left and the right wing, right horizontal stabilizer, and right elevator contacting the runway and receiving substantial damage.

Dec 03, 2000 LYNWOOD, WA N7609Q Incident substantial Fuel exhaustion due to refueling was not performed by the pilot-in-command. Trees and a fence were factors.
Sep 08, 2000 RUIDOSO, NM N269DP Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll. A contributing factor was the crosswind weather condition.
Jul 28, 2000 TILLAMOOK, OR N7485C Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
Jun 25, 2000 MARANA, AZ N185DE Incident substantial the pilot's excessive use of wheel brakes during the landing roll resulting in the airplane's nosing over.
Jun 12, 2000 NEW ORLEANS, LA N61441 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
Apr 04, 2000 WALLOWA, OR N78DE Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment upon encountering a wind gust, and his subsequent failure or inability to maintain clearance w…

The pilot's failure to maintain proper runway alignment upon encountering a wind gust, and his subsequent failure or inability to maintain clearance with a tree during a go-around attempt. Factors included a short and narrow airstrip, gusty wind conditions, and a tree in the vicinity of the airstrip.

Jan 03, 2000 HOUSTON, TX N999SW Incident substantial the loss of engine power during climb as a result of fatigue cracking of the #4 cylinder head and its subsequent separation from its barrel.
Dec 02, 1999 RAYMOND, NE N1756R Incident substantial
the pilot's lack of recent experience in the type of aircraft and type of operation, and the pilot not maintaining directional control. A finding was…

the pilot's lack of recent experience in the type of aircraft and type of operation, and the pilot not maintaining directional control. A finding was the glassy condition of the water.

Sep 15, 1999 DAGGETT, CA N9497N Incident substantial the pilot's failure to recognize an excessive rate of descent and his subsequent delayed flare, which resulted in a hard landing.
Jun 22, 1999 LABRADOR, CA N185HC Incident substantial Investigation pending
Jun 10, 1999 FARMINGTON, NM N4211C Incident substantial
The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to see and avoid a ground obstruction. Factors were the throttle linkage becoming disconnected due …

The pilot's inadequate visual lookout and failure to see and avoid a ground obstruction. Factors were the throttle linkage becoming disconnected due to an inadequate annual inspection by maintenance personnel, and a dirt berm.

May 22, 1999 ELKO, NV N185FM Incident substantial
The failure of the pilot to adequately compensate for the variable and gusty winds, and, to maintain directional control of the aircraft while landing…

The failure of the pilot to adequately compensate for the variable and gusty winds, and, to maintain directional control of the aircraft while landing.

Sep 30, 1998 ELIZABETHTON, TN N1236F Incident substantial The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Sep 04, 1998 BOTTINEAU, ND N1005F Incident substantial
The partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's excessive use of brake pressure which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.…

The partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's excessive use of brake pressure which resulted in the aircraft 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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