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Cessna 185A

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Aircraft model · Fixed wing single engine · Airplane · registry code 2072804

Manufacturer (registry)
CESSNA
Model
185A
Registry code
2072804
Registered
48 aircraft
Type
Fixed wing single engine
Engines
1 · Reciprocating
Seats
6
Weight class
Up to 12,499 lb
Cruise speed
125 mph
Certification
Type certificated
Data sheet
TCDS3A24
Holder
Textron Aviation Inc.

Model codes come from the FAA registry’s reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker.

On this page

Aircraft by year built · 64

1961Registered nowDeregistered2026

Airworthiness directives that may apply · 27

ADs whose products match this airframe model. Each AD’s applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or configuration.

1962In forceSuperseded2026
See all 30 ADs
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duckdb -csv -c "SELECT d.ad_number, d.status, d.subject, d.effective_date
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_directive.parquet' d
  WHERE d.ad_id IN (SELECT ad_id FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_directive.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('2072804'))
  ORDER BY coalesce(d.effective_date, d.publication_date, d.issue_date) DESC, d.ad_number DESC"

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Information bulletins that may apply · 9

Historical bulletins · 1
SAIB CE-01-41R1Cracks in plastic or non-metallic control wheelsIssued Jan 10, 2007
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duckdb -csv -c "SELECT s.saib_number, any_value(s.title) AS title, max(s.issue_date) AS issue_date, any_value(s.status) AS status
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_saib.parquet' s
  WHERE s.saib_id IN (SELECT saib_id FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_model_saib.parquet' WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('2072804'))
  GROUP BY s.saib_number ORDER BY issue_date DESC"

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Registered aircraft · 48

N11669Cummings Arthur · Delta Junction, AKBuilt 1963 · S/N 185-0493N13280Chapman John · San Antonio, TXBuilt 1962 · S/N 185-0402N13HWSikes Alan · Collins, GABuilt 1962 · S/N 1850290
See all 48 registered aircraft
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duckdb -csv -c "SELECT n_number, serial_number, year_manufactured, status, registrant_name, registrant_city, registrant_state
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_aircraft_registration.parquet'
  WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('2072804')
  ORDER BY n_number"

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STCs approved for this model · 447

STC SA00023SEInstallation of modified control yoke and instrument panel.Trevor Burward-HoySTC SA00031WIInstallation of flap and aileron gap seals.Flight EnhancementsSTC SA00061LAInstallation of JPI digital tachometer.J P Instruments
See all 447 STCs
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duckdb -csv -c "SELECT s.stc_number, s.description, s.holder, s.status, s.status_date
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_stc.parquet' s
  WHERE s.stc_number IN (SELECT stc_number FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_stc_model.parquet' WHERE model_key = '185A')
  ORDER BY s.status = 'Current' DESC, s.stc_number"

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NTSB investigations · 59

Aircraft matched to this model through the registry, by N-number and event date.

Defining event, 2008 on

Of 6 cases NTSB coded with a defining event. All defining events

In the probable cause, 2008 on

Findings NTSB made part of the probable cause. A case can have several. All findings

First occurrence, 1982 to 2007

Of 18 cases with NTSB’s older coding, defined in its coding manual.

NTSB WPR25LA298Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 185A · Ilwaco, WAThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.Sep 27, 2025 · N186X · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA327Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Gulkana, AKThe pilot's loss of airplane control just before touchdown in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in ground loop after touchdown.Jun 8, 2019 · N4057Y · Substantial damageNTSB GAA19CA152Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Ridgeland, SCThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch.Feb 25, 2019 · N10044 · Substantial damage
See all 59 investigations
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duckdb -csv -c "SELECT c.\"ntsbNumber\", c.\"eventDate\", c.\"eventType\", c.\"eventCity\", c.\"eventStateOrRegion\", a.n_number, a.\"aircraftMake\", a.\"aircraftModel\", c.\"highestInjuryLevel\", c.\"totalFatal\", c.\"completionStatus\", c.report_url
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c ON c.\"mKey\" = a.case_mkey
  WHERE a.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072804')
  ORDER BY c.\"eventDate\" DESC, c.\"ntsbNumber\" DESC"

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FAA incident reports · 44

Matched to this model through the registry, by N-number and event date.

Accident 20250927021579ACessna 185A · Ilwaco, WAThe pilot reported that about 2 miles east of the destination Airport the engine began to run rough. He elected to make a precautionary landing to an open field, while on approach to land, the engine lost all power. During the landing roll the airplane…Sep 27, 2025 · N186X · Substantial damageAccident 20190606005939ACessna 185A · Glennallen, AK4057Y experienced a ground loop leading to substantial damage during approach to landing at Gulkana Airport (pagk/gkn) in Gulkana, Alaska. Runway 15/33 is a 5001 x 100 foot long asphalt surface with ASOS weather reporting. The accident was reported as…Jun 6, 2019 · N4057Y · Substantial damageAccident 20190225010559ACessna 185A · Ridgeland, SCN10044 was landing runway 21 at Ridgeland, SC on 02/25/2019 at 1313 EDT. The aircraft landed and veered off the right side of the runway. The pilot stated that upon touch down all was normal until the tail wheel touched down. The pilot lost control of the…Feb 25, 2019 · N10044 · Substantial damage
See all 44 incident reports
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duckdb -csv -c "SELECT report_number, event_date, event_type, city, state, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, aircraft_damage, fatal_injuries, n_number
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_incident_report.parquet'
  WHERE aircraft_model_code IN ('2072804')
  ORDER BY event_date DESC, report_number DESC"

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Service difficulty reports · 7

SDR 2008FA0000027Bracket · crackedINSTALLED PLANE POWER ALTERNATOR CONVERSION KIT, STC SA 10682SC ON AC. DURING OIL CHANGE FOUND ALTERNATOR BRACKET CRACKED TOTOALLY IN HALF. ALTERNATOR HAD ONLY BEEN IN USE 3 WEEKS AND APPROX 45 HRS. (K)Dec 12, 2007 · N10044 · Cessna 185A · Alternator-Generator DriveSDR CA070828007Exhaust Valve · burned(CAN) DURING A 100 HOUR INSPECTION, FOUND THE NR 2 CYLINDER LOW COMPRESSION, RESULT WAS THE EXHAUST VALVE EDGE WAS BURNED. (TC NR 20070828007)Aug 27, 2007 · Cessna 185A · Reciprocating Engine Cylinder SectionSDR CA070502013Control Cable · broken(CAN) THE BOLT THAT ATTACHES THE LT FORWARD RUDDER CABLE TO THE RUDDER PEDAL SETUP WAS ORIGINALLY TOO TIGHTLY DONE UP. THE CABLE ATTACHMENT FORK WAS NOT ABLE TO MOVE FREELY ON END, IN THE FORK, AND BREAK UNDER LOAD. (TC NR 20070502013)Jun 3, 2006 · Cessna 185A · Rudder Control SystemSDR AUS20030353Volt Regulator · unserviceable(AUS) VOLTAGE REGULATOR FAULTY. VIBRATING CONTACTS WELDED CLOSED CAUSING OVER VOLTAGE WHICH DAMAGED SOME AVIONICS EQUIPMENT.Mar 17, 2003 · Cessna 185A · DC RegulatorSDR CA980403002Threads · corroded(CAN) PROPELLER RECEIVED FOR CORROSION INSPECTION. PROPELLER BLADE FERRULES FOUND CORRODED IN THE THREADED AREA.Mar 27, 1998 · Cessna 185A · Propeller Blade SectionSDR 95ZZZX4561Tire · damagedTHIS AIRCRAFT HAD STC SA 4305WE INCORPORATED, GAR-AERO 6 INCH TO 10 INCH WHEEL ADAPTERS WITH GOODYEAR 8.50-10 6-PLY TIRES. ON LANDING ROLL-OUT ON PAVED RUNWAY, THE LEFT TIRE WENT FLAT CAUSING THE AIRCRAFT TO GROUND LOOP. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE TIRE HAD CAug 15, 1995 · N4145Y · Cessna 185A · TireSDR 95ZZZX763Spark Plug · faultyINSTALLED FACTORY NEW CONTINENTAL IO-550D ON CESSNA, N1650Z. ABOUT 15 TO 20 MINUTES INTO THE TEST FLIGHT, ENGINE BEGAN RUNNING ROUGH. OFF AIRPORT LANDING WAS MADE. THE PLUGS WERE CLEANED, TESTED, AND RESINTALLED. GROUND RUN OKAY AND THE AIRCRAFT WAS RETURNJan 30, 1995 · N1650Z · Cessna 185A · Spark Plug/Igniter
Query with SQL
duckdb -csv -c "SELECT sdr_id, difficulty_date, n_number, aircraft_make, aircraft_model, part_name, part_condition, jasc_code, discrepancy
  FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/faa_service_difficulty_report.parquet'
  WHERE aircraft_model_key = '185A'
  ORDER BY difficulty_date DESC"

Prints the whole list as CSV. It reads the release’s Parquet files over HTTPS, so there’s nothing to download first. Install DuckDB to run it.