Cessna A185 Safety Record
Complete NTSB accident and incident history. 452 events recorded from 1982 to 2026.
| Date | Location | Reg# | Severity | Damage | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 04, 2019 | Kalispell, MT | N185FT | Incident | substantial | The loss of directional control during landing for reasons that could not be determined based on available evidence. |
| Apr 15, 2019 | Nome, AK | N5163E | Serious (1) | substantial |
The pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into an area of mountainous terrain and instrument meteorological conditions, which resu…The pilot's decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into an area of mountainous terrain and instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and controlled flight into terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s lack of instrument proficiency. |
| Mar 23, 2019 | Lafayette, LA | N2744Q | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. |
| Mar 22, 2019 | Bocona, VE | YV1606 | Fatal (1) | destroyed | Investigation pending |
| Dec 23, 2018 | Big Lake, AK | N93018 | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's improper decision to land on a roadway during dark night conditions with inoperable landing and taxi lights, which resulted in an impact w…The pilot's improper decision to land on a roadway during dark night conditions with inoperable landing and taxi lights, which resulted in an impact with a snow berm. |
| Dec 14, 2018 | Tacoma, WA | N19EC | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll and his subsequent overapplication of left rudder, which resulted in the right wing im…The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll and his subsequent overapplication of left rudder, which resulted in the right wing impacting the runway. |
| Nov 09, 2018 | Reardan, WA | N185PR | Incident | substantial |
The pilot receiving instruction's improper approach and landing flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss…The pilot receiving instruction's improper approach and landing flare in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a bounced landing and subsequent loss of directional control. Contributing to the accident was the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action. |
| Sep 27, 2018 | Fairbanks, AK | N70391 | Incident | substantial | The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. |
| Sep 15, 2018 | Bullhead City, AZ | N573BV | Serious (1) | substantial | The pilot’s diverted attention during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a collision with rising terrain. |
| Aug 22, 2018 | Kaktovik, AK | N8041R | Incident | substantial | A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation during a steep turn with a low fuel state. |
| Aug 20, 2018 | McCall, ID | N93039 | Incident | substantial | The disconnection of the brake cylinder actuator rod, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to maintain directional control during the landing roll. |
| Aug 18, 2018 | Big Lake, AK | N185MC | Incident | substantial |
The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tree foliage on the left side of the runway during takeoff due to his focus on the right side of the ru…The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from tree foliage on the left side of the runway during takeoff due to his focus on the right side of the runway. |
| Aug 01, 2018 | White Mountain, AK | N185KB | Incident | substantial |
A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunct…A partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. |
| Jul 01, 2018 | Miami, FL | N14ED | Minor | substantial |
The pilot’s failure to retract the wheels of the amphibious airplane on takeoff, which resulted in a nose-over when the airplane landed on water with …The pilot’s failure to retract the wheels of the amphibious airplane on takeoff, which resulted in a nose-over when the airplane landed on water with the wheels extended. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to use appropriate checklists. |
| May 05, 2018 | Chandler, AZ | N76SC | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing in gusting tailwind conditions. |
| Apr 12, 2018 | Sterling, AK | N8702Z | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees during the approach to land due to the sun glare. |
| Jan 12, 2018 | Lowman, ID | N2W | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s selection of unsuitable terrain for takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control. |
| Oct 24, 2017 | Tacoma, WA | N19EC | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s loss of directional control during the landing roll. |
| Sep 17, 2017 | Talkeetna, AK | N123LR | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting wind conditions. |
| Aug 18, 2017 | Aniak, AK | N92DC | Incident | substantial |
The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect a crack in the propeller blade, which led to the separation of a section of a prop…The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect a crack in the propeller blade, which led to the separation of a section of a propeller blade due to fatigue. |
| Jul 26, 2017 | Nampa, ID | N208SS | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. |
| Jul 22, 2017 | Arctic Village, AK | N5227R | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control after an aborted takeoff. |
| Jul 16, 2017 | Wasilla, AK | N401WC | Incident | substantial |
The pilot’s failure to manage fuel quantity in flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the acci…The pilot’s failure to manage fuel quantity in flight, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s failure to follow manufacturer guidance for restoring engine power after emptying a fuel tank. |
| Jul 11, 2017 | Nampa, ID | N185LC | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the tailwheel airplane during the landing roll. |
| Jun 23, 2017 | Henderson, NV | N4356R | Incident | substantial | The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions. |