Cessna A185 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 452 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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. |
| Mar 16, 2000 | BEND, OR | N1357M | Incident | substantial | The pilot's failure to adequately compensate for wind conditions. |
| 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. |
| Oct 17, 1999 | LAKE WALES, FL | N85PR | Minor | substantial |
The partial loss of engine power due to the inadequate annual inspection of the airplane by the mechanic with IA for his failure to assure that the mi…The partial loss of engine power due to the inadequate annual inspection of the airplane by the mechanic with IA for his failure to assure that the mixture control cable jam nut at the rod end was secured following the reported adjustment by the airplane owner who is not a certificated mechanic. This resulted in the separation of the mixture control cable and the uncommanded movement of the mixture control to the midrnage point between midrange and the idle cut-off position. |
| Oct 07, 1999 | YAKUTAT, AK | N85CG | Incident | substantial | The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area. A factor associated with the accident was soft terrain. |
| 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 30, 1999 | ANCHORAGE, AK | N124LR | Incident | substantial | The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. |
| 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. |
| May 21, 1999 | OTHELLO, WA | N50AU | Incident | substantial | The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions after landing. Factors include gusty winds. |
| 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. |