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
May 26, 2000 MIXCOLAJA, GT N4871Q Minor substantial Investigation pending
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.

Feb 07, 2000 LOVELAND, CO N721 Minor substantial Failure of the pilot in command to maintain directional control, resulting in an inadvertent ground loop. A factor was the crosswind.
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.

Nov 11, 1999 ASTORIA, OR N6245E Fatal (1) substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after a delayed go-around. Factors include incapacitation due to the use of unapproved drugs.
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.
Aug 09, 1999 JUNEAU, AK N80229 Fatal (4) destroyed
The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident were mountainous/hilly terrain, low …

The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident were mountainous/hilly terrain, low ceilings, the pilot's improper in-flight decision making, and the pilot's impairment from over-the-counter drugs.

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.

Jun 05, 1999 SOLDOTNA, AK N61609 Fatal (1) substantial
The improper recovery from a bounced water landing by the pilot. Factors associated with this accident were the pilot's failure to release his seatbe…

The improper recovery from a bounced water landing by the pilot. Factors associated with this accident were the pilot's failure to release his seatbelt due to the obstructed location of the pilot's seatbelt buckle.

May 30, 1999 CHAPIN, SC N881FD Minor substantial The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the collision with a utility wire.
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.

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.

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..

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.
Jul 18, 1998 MONETA, VA N1481F Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed which resulted in a stall and subsequent collision with water.
Jun 16, 1998 TALKEETNA, AK N185DG Incident substantial
The failure of the right main landing gear leg due to fatigue cracking. A factor associated with this accident is the inadequate inspection procedure…

The failure of the right main landing gear leg due to fatigue cracking. A factor associated with this accident is the inadequate inspection procedure specified by the manufacturer.

May 16, 1998 TALKEETNA, AK N1473F Minor substantial The pilot selected the wrong runway and intentionally ground looped to stop the airplane. Related factors were the tailwind and whiteout conditions.
May 13, 1998 ISANTI, MN N7140H Incident substantial the soft terrain condition. A factor was the failure of the crankshaft.
Mar 21, 1998 HOMER, AK N9620Q Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors in the accident are the sheared valve stem/deflation of the tire, and subsequent fractur…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors in the accident are the sheared valve stem/deflation of the tire, and subsequent fracturing of the associated wheel.

Oct 02, 1997 ROSEAU, MN N105NR Incident substantial the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor was the crosswind.
Jul 02, 1997 BAY ST. LOUIS, MS N5054R Minor substantial
The pilot's improper short field landing procedure and use of full flaps prior to being assured of reaching the proper touchdown point, resulting in a…

The pilot's improper short field landing procedure and use of full flaps prior to being assured of reaching the proper touchdown point, resulting in an in-flight collision with an embankment, and subsequent nose over. Contributing to the accident was a total loss of engine power due to improper fuel management resulting in fuel exhaustion.

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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