How many accidents has the Cessna 185E had?

The NTSB has recorded 35 events involving the Cessna 185E: 2 fatal, 2 serious, 4 minor injuries, and 27 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna 185E a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna 185E has 35 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna 185E Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 35 events recorded from 1982 to 2013.

All Events

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (6 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Jun 20, 2000	TALKEETNA, AK	N1589F	Fatal (4)	destroyed	The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and subsequent in-flight break-up. Factors in the accident were weather conditions… The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions and subsequent in-flight break-up. Factors in the accident were weather conditions consisting of low ceilings, turbulence, and an occluded front with convective activity, and inadequate oversight of the flight by company management.
Aug 12, 1987	KETCHIKAN, AK	N73WS	Fatal (2)	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.

← Cessna 185E For Sale All Cessna Models

Data source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database · About our data

Looking to buy a Cessna 185E? View 5 Cessna 185E for sale ↓

Cessna 185E Safety Record

Report an Issue