Cessna A185 Safety Record

Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 452 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.

452

All Events

325

Incidents

48

Minor

20

Serious

58

Fatal (100 fatalities)
Date Location Reg# Severity Damage Probable Cause
Jul 09, 2023 La Mesa, CA N1839R Minor substantial A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
May 16, 2023 Grand Junction, CO N4742E Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with gusting wind.
May 14, 2023 Twisp, WA N185MG Incident substantial The pilot’s loss of directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and ground loop.
Mar 07, 2023 Homer, AK N9697Q Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.
Dec 04, 2022 Fergus Falls, MN N926HM Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll, resulting in a runway excursion.
Oct 22, 2022 York, PA N36ZN Incident substantial Oil starvation of the number 1 connecting rod bearings, which resulted in a total loss of engine power.
Oct 06, 2022 Fairbanks, AK N217C Fatal (1) —
The improperly maintained floats, which allowed water to fill the front compartments and resulted in the airplane nosing over during taxi. Contributin…

The improperly maintained floats, which allowed water to fill the front compartments and resulted in the airplane nosing over during taxi. Contributing to the fatal injury of the pilot was the improperly secured cargo, which prevented the pilot from egressing the airplane following the nose-over.
Jul 05, 2022 Plymouth, CT N2423A Minor substantial The pilot’s encounter with known and forecast adverse weather which resulted in a collision with trees during the initial climb.
Jun 09, 2022 Sunriver, OR N94078 Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff, which resulted in a collision with terrain.
May 27, 2022 Willow, AK N1694M Incident substantial The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for landing which resulted in a nose over.
Apr 08, 2022 Evansville, IN N1040F Incident substantial The pilot did not maintain directional control during the landing roll resulting in a ground loop.
Feb 01, 2022 Gila Bend, AZ N185DG Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll
Dec 03, 2021 Laguna Negra, OF ZP-TOU Fatal (3) destroyed Investigation pending
Sep 08, 2021 Arlington, WA N185BB Incident substantial The fatigue fracture of the tailwheel fitting spring, which resulted in the loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Sep 06, 2021 Kingsley, IA N7574N Incident substantial The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of an unsecured fuel bladder, which reduced the fuel capacity of the affected tank.
Jul 05, 2021 Blanco, TX N1393F Incident substantial The unexpected change in wind speed and direction during the landing which resulted a runway overrun.
Jul 03, 2021 Hoonah, AK N1199Q Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Jun 28, 2021 Dillingham, AK N8216J Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terr…

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in gusting wind conditions which resulted in a loss of control and impact with terrain.
Jun 06, 2021 Chandalar Lake, AK N85DT Incident substantial The pilot’s over application of the brakes, which resulted in a nose over.
May 02, 2021 Driggs, ID N9BB Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing with gusting wind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
Apr 17, 2021 North Vernon, IN N19D Incident substantial The pilot’s improper installation of the fuel selector handle, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
Apr 15, 2021 Anchorage, AK N714JE Incident substantial A loss of control during landing for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.
Mar 20, 2021 Fairbanks, AK N58316 Minor substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop.
Mar 07, 2021 Pueblo, CO N185RF Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in gusting crosswind conditions.
Mar 05, 2021 Skwentna, AK N1848R Incident substantial
Installation of improper hardware on the ski check cable. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate inspection of the ski yokes, which resulted …

Installation of improper hardware on the ski check cable. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate inspection of the ski yokes, which resulted in the subsequent failure of the right main landing gear ski yoke and collapse of the right main landing gear during the precautionary landing.
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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