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 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.
May 31, 2017 Clovis, NM N185FF Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.
May 27, 2017 Fall River Mills, CA N2262T Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
May 09, 2017 Columbia, CA N185RX Incident substantial The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control in tailwind and crosswind conditions.
May 07, 2017 Big Rapids, MI N873SL Incident substantial
The pilot’s failure to obtain updated weather information while practicing takeoffs and landings and his subsequent failure to maintain directional co…

The pilot’s failure to obtain updated weather information while practicing takeoffs and landings and his subsequent failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting crosswind conditions.
Feb 19, 2017 Fairbanks, AK N185AE Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain an appropriate glidepath to the runway and to use the vertical guidance system.
Nov 12, 2016 Ninilchik, AK N4918Q Incident substantial
A loss of brake system fluid due to leaks in the o-rings, which resulted in asymmetrical braking and a subsequent loss of directional control during t…

A loss of brake system fluid due to leaks in the o-rings, which resulted in asymmetrical braking and a subsequent loss of directional control during the landing roll.
Oct 25, 2016 Winnemucca, NV N7711L Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Oct 20, 2016 Anchorage, AK N7565H Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Oct 07, 2016 San Antonio, TX N4924E Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to recognize the tailwind condition and maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion…

The pilot's failure to recognize the tailwind condition and maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion.
Aug 30, 2016 Gooding, ID N185TJ Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.
Aug 21, 2016 Caldwell, ID N4477R Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
Aug 21, 2016 Fayetteville, TN N185DK Incident substantial
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground…

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and a ground loop.
Aug 19, 2016 Klamath Falls, OR N185SC Incident substantial The pilot's improper landing flare, which resulted in the airplane porpoising and the subsequent loss of directional control.
Jul 19, 2016 Illiamna, AK N85CF Incident substantial
The overstress fracture of the left main landing (MLG) gear axle attachment bolts and the subsequent separation of the left MLG wheel, which resulted …

The overstress fracture of the left main landing (MLG) gear axle attachment bolts and the subsequent separation of the left MLG wheel, which resulted in the pilot’s inability to control the airplane.
Jun 29, 2016 King Salmon, AK N3969Q Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while landing in gusty wind conditions, resulting in a noseover.
Jun 26, 2016 Hayden Lake, ID N185TG Incident substantial The pilot's failure to retract the amphibious airplane's land-wheels prior to landing on a lake, which resulted in a nose over.
May 25, 2016 Anchorage, AK N17SR Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in crosswind conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.
Apr 09, 2016 Chesterfield, MO N4095A Incident substantial The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground loop and a wing strike.
Aug 31, 2015 Miami, FL N186AZ Incident substantial The pilot’s improper landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing and separation of the left main landing gear wheel from its strut.
Aug 10, 2015 Emily, MN N23DE Incident substantial The pilot's failure to retract the landing gear, which resulted in a gear down water landing and a nose over.
Jul 11, 2015 Dauphin Island, AL N185DK Incident substantial The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing roll in gusty wind conditions which resulted in a ground loop and impact with terrain.
Apr 01, 2015 Palmer, AK N3885Q Incident substantial The pilot's loss of directional control during landing, resulting in a collision with terrain.
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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