# Cessna 185A - Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry) - Registry code: 2072804 - Manufacturer (registry): CESSNA - Model: 185A - Aircraft type: Fixed wing single engine - Engines: 1 - Seats: 6 - Data sheet: TCDS 3A24 - Registered aircraft: 48 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-185a ## ADs that may apply - [AD 2023-09-09](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-09-09): Exhaust Turbine System (Recip) · Aerostar PA-60-600 (Aerostar 600), PA-60-601 (Aerostar 601), PA-60-601P (Aerostar 601P) and 292 more. Effective Jul 17, 2023 - [AD 2023-10-02](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-10-02): Indicating/Recording System, Navigation · Boeing 18, 23, 35 and 1,060 more. Effective May 26, 2023 - [AD 2022-03-15](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2022-03-15): Fuel Quantity Indicator · Garmin G3X Touch Electronic Flight Instrument System (STC SA01899WI). Effective Mar 21, 2022 - [AD 2020-21-22](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2020-21-22): Fuselage; Stabilizers · Textron 180, 180A, 180B and 21 more. Effective Dec 7, 2020 - [AD 2011-10-09](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2011-10-09): Seat Rails and Roller Housing Inspections · Cessna 150A, 150B, 150C and 221 more. Effective Jun 17, 2011 - [AD 2008-26-10](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2008-26-10): Alternate static air source selector valve · Cessna 172, 172A, 172B and 179 more. Effective Jan 5, 2009 - [AD 2006-03-08](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2006-03-08): Vacuum pumps · Aero Advantage 14-19, 14-19-2, 14-19-3 and 299 more. Effective Mar 10, 2006 - [AD 2005-01-19](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2005-01-19): Mode S transponders · GARMIN International GTX 330D, GTX 330, GTX 33D and 830 more. Effective Feb 23, 2005 - [AD 2004-19-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2004-19-01): Upper shoulder harness adjusters · Cessna F150G, F150H, F150J and 129 more. Effective Nov 1, 2004 - [AD 98-21-21 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-21-21-R1): Electric Inflatable Door Seals · Cessna 17-30, 17-30A, 17-31 and 267 more. Effective May 1, 2000 - [AD 98-23-02](https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-23-02): Airglas Engineering Company Ski Installation · Fabrication of attaching and rigging parts (Airglas STC SA213AL). Effective Dec 22, 1998 - [AD 98-16-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/98-16-04): Inspect Angle Stiffener Along Lower Spar Cap · Cessna 180, 180A, 180B and 37 more. Effective Sep 21, 1998 - [AD 97-01-13](https://openairdocs.org/ad/97-01-13): Fuel, Oil and Hydraulic Hoses · Cessna 150, 150A, 150B and 232 more. Effective Feb 3, 1997 - [AD 96-12-22](https://openairdocs.org/ad/96-12-22): Full Flow Engine Oil Adapter · Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, 120, 140 and 361 more. Effective Jul 31, 1996 - [AD 84-10-01 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/84-10-01-R1): Bladder Fuel Cells · Cessna 180, 180A, 180B and 103 more. Effective Jul 5, 1988 - [AD 79-10-14 R1](https://openairdocs.org/ad/79-10-14-R1): Fuel Tank Venting · Cessna 140A, 150, 150A and 172 more. Effective May 30, 1988 - [AD 87-20-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/87-20-04): Fuel System · Cessna 185, 185A, 185B and 5 more. Effective Sep 30, 1987 - [AD 86-19-11](https://openairdocs.org/ad/86-19-11): Contaminated Fuel · Cessna 177, 177A, 177B and 83 more. Effective Oct 4, 1986 - [AD 83-17-06](https://openairdocs.org/ad/83-17-06): Aileron Balance Weights · Flap actuated aileron droop system (Sierra Industries STC SA1382WE or 5 others). Effective Sep 1, 1983 - [AD 81-15-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/81-15-03): Engine Inlet Air Filters · Replace existing engine induction air filter (Brackett Aero Filters STC SA693CE or SA71GL). Effective Jul 20, 1981 - [AD 79-25-07](https://openairdocs.org/ad/79-25-07): Alternator Ground · Cessna 180, 180A, 180B and 95 more. Effective Dec 13, 1979 - [AD 79-08-03](https://openairdocs.org/ad/79-08-03): Electrical System · Cessna 120, 140, 140A and 152 more. Effective Jun 6, 1979 - [AD 77-04-05](https://openairdocs.org/ad/77-04-05): Carburetor Air Intake · Cessna 180, 180A, 180B and 39 more. Effective Mar 1, 1977 - [AD 75-16-01](https://openairdocs.org/ad/75-16-01): Wing Fuel Tanks · Cessna 180, 180A, 180B and 68 more. Effective Jul 30, 1975 - [AD 73-23-07](https://openairdocs.org/ad/73-23-07): Defective Spar Attachment Fittings · Cessna 150, 150A, 150B and 68 more. Effective Nov 19, 1973 - [AD 68-17-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/68-17-04): Stall Warning System · Cessna 150, 150A, 150B and 63 more. Effective Sep 7, 1968 - [AD 62-17-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/62-17-04): Float Installations · Edo Model 249A2870 seaplane floats (Kenmore Air EDO Floats STC SA1-622). Effective Aug 14, 1962 Historical (superseded or no longer in force): AD 87-20-03 R2, AD 86-26-04, AD 80-10-01 ## NTSB investigations (59, newest 10) From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [NTSB WPR25LA298](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR25LA298), Sep 27, 2025: Cessna 185A (N186X), Ilwaco, WA, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. - [NTSB GAA19CA327](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA327), Jun 8, 2019: Cessna 185 (N4057Y), Gulkana, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's loss of airplane control just before touchdown in gusting wind conditions, which resulted in ground loop after touchdown. - [NTSB GAA19CA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA152), Feb 25, 2019: Cessna 185 (N10044), Ridgeland, SC, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a ditch. - [NTSB WPR11CA215](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11CA215), Apr 30, 2011: Cessna 185A (N1679Z), Bend, OR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll. - [NTSB WPR11LA068](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA068), Dec 1, 2010: Cessna 185A (N1699Z), Madras, OR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The failure of both pilots to see and avoid the other airplane while in the traffic pattern to land, which resulted in a midair collision. - [NTSB ANC10LA087](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10LA087), Sep 12, 2010: Cessna 185A (N4038Y), Paxson, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's decision to make a climbing turn close to the ground in gusting wind at a low airspeed, resulting in a loss of control and collision with terrain. - [NTSB ANC05CA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC05CA013), Oct 29, 2004: Cessna 185 (N185CQ), Skwentna, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's selection of an unsuitable landing area, which resulted in a nose over during the landing roll. A factor associated with the accident was deep wet snow. - [NTSB LAX02LA258](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX02LA258), Aug 16, 2002: Cessna 185A (N4145Y), Fillmore, CA, substantial damage. Probable cause: the pilot's continued visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the in-flight collision with terrain during a climb. - [NTSB SEA98LA007](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA98LA007), Oct 23, 1997: Cessna 185A (N714), Damascus, OR, destroyed, 2 fatal. Probable cause: failure of the pilot to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance from terrain. Factors relating to the accident included: darkness, and hilly/mountainous terrain. - [NTSB ANC95LA140](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC95LA140), Aug 15, 1995: Cessna 185A (N4145Y), Teller, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: DEFLATION OF THE LEFT MAIN TUNDRA TIRE DUE TO VALVE STEM DAMAGE (FAILURE) WHEN THE TIRE ROTATED INDEPENDENTLY OF THE WHEEL RIM, RESULTING IN LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL AND A GROUND SWERVE. All 59: https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-185a/ntsb ## FAA accident and incident reports (44, newest 10) From the FAA Accident/Incident Data System. Reports are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. - [Accident 20250927021579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20250927021579A), Sep 27, 2025: Cessna 185A (N186X), Ilwaco, WA, Substantial damage. The 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… - [Accident 20190606005939A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190606005939A), Jun 6, 2019: Cessna 185A (N4057Y), Glennallen, AK, Substantial damage. 4057Y 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… - [Accident 20190225010559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20190225010559A), Feb 25, 2019: Cessna 185A (N10044), Ridgeland, SC, Substantial damage. N10044 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… - [Accident 20110430008519A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20110430008519A), Apr 30, 2011: Cessna 185A (N1679Z), Bend, OR, Substantial damage. On landing on runway 34 at bdn the left wing lifted and the aircraft veered to the left. The pilot applied right brake and the aircraft ground looped. There… - [Accident 20101201052502A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20101201052502A), Dec 1, 2010: Cessna 185A (N1699Z), Madras, OR, Substantial damage. Both aircraft on short final at S33. Pilot of Taylorcraft saw Cessna 185 tail slightly low and to left, tried to bank to right to avoid. Aircraft came together… - [Accident 20100912049419A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20100912049419A), Sep 12, 2010: Cessna 185A (N4038Y), Paxon, AK, Substantial damage. Pilot stated that he took off from the water, got airborne with a headwind and reteracted the flaps. At 200' started a left turn at 70 mph. The a/c was hit… - [Incident 20080404831889I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080404831889I), Apr 4, 2008: Cessna 185A (N4038Y), King Salmon, AK, Substantial damage. (-23) The pilot stated, while landing runway 29 in King Salmon Alaska, he ground looped his CE-185. Winds were 240 at 20-25. He stated that the airplane… - [Accident 20041029029489A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20041029029489A), Oct 29, 2004: Cessna 185A (N185CQ), Skwentna, AK, Substantial damage. (-23) Pilot landed aircraft in 12 inches of snow and aircraft nosed-over causing substantial damage. - [Accident 20020816020059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20020816020059A), Aug 16, 2002: Cessna 185A (N4145Y), Fillmore, CA, No damage. (-23) During descent from the east to land at santa paula (szp), the pilot encountered expected low ceilings. No report was available for szp, but was reported… - [Incident 20000508021109I](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20000508021109I), May 8, 2000: Mtsbsi MU300 (N141H), Topeka, KS, Minor damage. (-23) SIC (in training) was pf and in the process of landing from an ILS approach when PIC noticed that the landing gear was not extended. The gear switch was… All 44: https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-185a/incidents ## Complete lists - aircraft: 48, https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-185a/aircraft - ads: 30, https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-185a/ads - incidents: 44, https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-185a/incidents --- From OpenAirDocs.org, an independent open copy of FAA data. Only the Federal Register edition on govinfo.gov is the official legal text of an AD.