How many accidents has the Cessna A185 had?

The NTSB has recorded 452 events involving the Cessna A185: 58 fatal, 20 serious, 48 minor injuries, and 325 incidents with no injuries.

Is the Cessna A185 a safe aircraft?

Safety depends on many factors beyond the aircraft model, including pilot training, maintenance, and weather conditions. The Cessna A185 has 452 NTSB-recorded events. Always review individual reports for context — many events involve pilot error or weather, not aircraft defects.

Cessna A185 Safety Record

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

452

All Events

325

Incidents

Minor

Serious

Fatal (100 fatalities)

Date	Location	Reg#	Severity	Damage	Probable Cause
Aug 30, 1999	ANCHORAGE, AK	N124LR	Incident	substantial	The total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
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.
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.
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..
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 13, 1998	ISANTI, MN	N7140H	Incident	substantial	the soft terrain condition. A factor was the failure of the crankshaft.
Mar 21, 1998	HOMER, AK	N9620Q	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors in the accident are the sheared valve stem/deflation of the tire, and subsequent fractur… The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors in the accident are the sheared valve stem/deflation of the tire, and subsequent fracturing of the associated wheel.
Oct 02, 1997	ROSEAU, MN	N105NR	Incident	substantial	the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. A factor was the crosswind.
Apr 16, 1997	BILLINGS, MT	N70194	Incident	substantial	The flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. The crosswind conditions were a factor.
Nov 03, 1996	PRICE, UT	N19EC	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
Aug 15, 1996	CODY, WY	N185K	Incident	substantial	failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane and runway alignment during the takeoff roll. Factors relating to the accident we… failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane and runway alignment during the takeoff roll. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind, and possible dragging of the right brake.
Aug 04, 1996	CASA GRANDE, AZ	N2431Y	Incident	substantial	the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. Factors relating to the ac… the student pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent ground loop. Factors relating to the accident were: the student pilot's inadequate training and lack of certification (endorsement).
May 05, 1996	CASCADE, ID	N185MP	Incident	substantial	the pilot's improper planning/decision, his failure to ensure that the airplane would maintain proper clearance from obstructions (trees), and his del… the pilot's improper planning/decision, his failure to ensure that the airplane would maintain proper clearance from obstructions (trees), and his delay in aborting the takeoff. The soft/wet runway and tailwind were related factors.
Jan 22, 1996	BELLE CHASE, LA	N6034N	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent encounter with a ditch. T… The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, which resulted in a loss of directional control and subsequent encounter with a ditch. The crosswind was a related factor.
Oct 04, 1995	OLA, ID	N70221	Incident	substantial	The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation by failing to determine that the takeoff area was clear of obstructions. The rock was a factor.
Aug 14, 1995	DICKINSON, ND	N47428	Incident	substantial	the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions, and his improper recovery from the bounced landing. The high wind was a factor.
May 09, 1995	OROVILLE, WA	N1684R	Incident	substantial	WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL, AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE FLIGHT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DETERIORAT… WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL, AND THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OF THE AIRCRAFT BEFORE FLIGHT. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: DETERIORATED SEAL(S) ON THE FUEL TANK CAP(S), NON-COMPLIANCE WITH AN AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE TO PREVENT WATER LEAKING THROUGH THE CAPS, AND THE PROXIMITY OF TREES IN THE EMERGENCY LANDING AREA.
Jan 21, 1995	HILLSBORO, OR	N748	Incident	substantial	A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS.
Oct 23, 1994	N NEW PORTLAND, ME	N9667Q	Incident	substantial	The pilot's failure to verify the landing gear was in the proper position for landing.
Oct 15, 1994	KOTZEBUE, AK	N20752	Incident	substantial	A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE DISTANCE FROM THE TERRAIN (SNOW BANK). FLAT LIGHTING AND LOW CONTRAST CONDITIONS WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCI… A FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN ADEQUATE DISTANCE FROM THE TERRAIN (SNOW BANK). FLAT LIGHTING AND LOW CONTRAST CONDITIONS WERE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.
Sep 07, 1994	CONRAD, MT	N5387H	Incident	substantial	THE CFI'S FAILURE TO ASSURE AN ADEQUATE INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING THE PROPER ENGAGEMENT AND FUNCTION OF THE RUDDER PEDALS, PRIOR TO THE FL… THE CFI'S FAILURE TO ASSURE AN ADEQUATE INSPECTION OF THE AIRCRAFT, INCLUDING THE PROPER ENGAGEMENT AND FUNCTION OF THE RUDDER PEDALS, PRIOR TO THE FLIGHT.

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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Cessna A185 Safety Record

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