# Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna A185F NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 2 · 80 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB ANC27FA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC27FA003.md): Cessna A185F · Kodiak, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Investigation open · Oct 30, 2026 · N9863Q - [NTSB ANC26FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC26FA105.md): Cessna A185F · Stony River, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Sep 15, 2026 · N4358Q · Substantial damage > On September 15, 2026 about 1210 Alaska daylight time, a Cessna A185F airplane, N4358Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Stony River, Alaska. The pilot and passenger were fatally injured. The airplane was operated as a Title… - [NTSB ERA26FA205](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA205.md): Cessna A185F · Avon, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · May 12, 2026 · N61368 · Substantial damage > On May 12, 2026, about 1058 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A185F airplane, N61368, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Avon, Maine. The pilot was fatally injured. The airplane was owned by the state of Maine and operated as a… - [NTSB ERA26FA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA26FA115.md): Cessna A185 · Everglades City, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Feb 15, 2026 · N7574N · Substantial damage > On February 15, 2026, about 1155 eastern standard time, a Cessna A185F, N7574N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Everglades City, Florida. The pilot was seriously injured, and the passenger was fatally injured. The airplane… - [NTSB ERA25FA309](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA25FA309.md): Cessna A185F · Bangor, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Preliminary report · Aug 22, 2025 · N714HE · Substantial damage > On August 22, 2025, at 1321 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A185F, N714HE, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bangor, Maine. The pilot was fatally injured. The flight was being conducted as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part… - [NTSB WPR24FA285](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR24FA285.md): Cessna A185F · Kent, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Aug 24, 2024 · N61323 · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to properly configure the amphibious landing gear for a water landing, which resulted in a touchdown on the water with the wheels extended, noseover, and airplane submersion. - [NTSB ANC23FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC23FA001.md): Cessna A185F · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · Oct 6, 2022 · N217C · No damage > The improperly maintained floats, which allowed water to fill the front compartments and resulted in the airplane nosing over during taxi. Contributing to the fatal injury of the pilot was the improperly secured cargo, which prevented the pilot from egressing… - [NTSB ANC20LA085](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA085.md): Cessna A185 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Aug 27, 2020 · N714KH · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > The PA-18 pilot’s failure to see and avoid the Cessna 185 as it was landing. Contributing to the accident was the PA-18 pilot’s failure to hear the traffic advisory provided by the air traffic control tower. - [NTSB ANC20LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC20LA046.md): Cessna A185 · Nuiqsut, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · May 15, 2020 · N5454E · Substantial damage > The pilot’s controlled flight into flat snow-covered terrain in weather conditions that were conducive to flat light conditions. - [NTSB WPR19FA152](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR19FA152.md): Cessna A185 · Whittier, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Class 3 · Field · Final report · May 21, 2019 · N5457X · Substantial damage > The pilot’s failure to configure the landing gear for a water landing, which resulted in a nose-over. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction due to his talking passengers. - [NTSB WPR16FA131](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16FA131.md): Cessna A185F · Coeur d'Alene, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 25, 2016 · N4585F · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain. - [NTSB CEN14WA478](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN14WA478.md): Cessna A185F · Baie-Comeau, Canada · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 2, 2014 · N4446C · Substantial damage - [NTSB WPR12FA184](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12FA184.md): Cessna A185F · Blanding, UT · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 25, 2012 · N243W · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during low-level maneuvering flight. Contributing to the pilot’s death was the lack of a timely emergency rescue response due to the lack of effective emergency signal transmissions from both the airplane’s… - [NTSB ERA11FA376](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11FA376.md): Cessna A185F · Yabucoa, PR · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 1, 2011 · N8436Q · Substantial damage > The pilot's inadequate weather planning and improper decision to continue a visual flight rules flight into instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in an encounter with a thunderstorm and subsequent loss of control. - [NTSB ERA11GA207](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA11GA207.md): Cessna A185F · Ashland, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Mar 24, 2011 · N724MT · Substantial damage > An inadvertent encounter with localized instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control. - [NTSB ERA10LA389](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10LA389.md): Cessna A185F · Newfane, NY · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 2010 · N4976E · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control due to his diverted attention, which resulted in a collision with trees during the initial climb after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the passenger's attempt to secure the jump door after it opened… - [NTSB LAX08FA244](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX08FA244.md): Cessna A185F · Shelton, WA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 24, 2008 · N6320N · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to attain and maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. - [NTSB SEA07FA134](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA07FA134.md): Cessna 185 · Wilbur, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 28, 2007 · N9434N · Substantial damage > In-flight collision with terrain shortly after takeoff for undetermined reasons. - [NTSB SEA05WA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05WA193.md): Cessna A185F · Port Hardy, Canada · Accident · 2 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 12, 2005 · N70365 · Destroyed - [NTSB SEA05FA022](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA05FA022.md): Cessna 185F · Renton, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 5, 2004 · N532PC · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control when the flaps became jammed/stuck in their full-down position during a takeoff from a touch-and-go landing. Factors include a worn/disconnected flap latch mechanism, and the flaps being unable to be retracted. - [NTSB SEA04FA169](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA169.md): Cessna A185F · Toutle, WA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 21, 2004 · N7562Q · Destroyed > The pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather conditions. Inadequate preflight planning/preparation, trees, a low ceiling and no suitable terrain available for the landing were factors. - [NTSB SEA04FA088](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA04FA088.md): Cessna A185F · Molalla, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 19, 2004 · N61611 · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision which resulted in VFR flight into IMC, and his failure to maintain control. Factors include mountain obscuration, clouds and convective weather conditions. - [NTSB DEN03FA059](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN03FA059.md): Cessna A185F · Grand Junction, CO · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Mar 27, 2003 · N53008 · Destroyed > the pilot's poor judgment and his failure to maintain aircraft control. Contributing factors were the high winds and downdrafts, and the pilot's self-induced pressure to go home. - [NTSB DEN02GA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN02GA102.md): Cessna A185F · Howard, CO · Accident · 1 fatal · Final report · Sep 4, 2002 · N24GS · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to maintain clearance of the terrain. Contributing factors were the clear air turbulent weather condition, and the high density altitude condition. - [NTSB ANC02FA107](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC02FA107.md): Cessna A185F · Kodiak, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 28, 2002 · N7300R · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his operation of the airplane in an over gross condition. A contributing factor was noncompliance with written company weight and balance procedures. - [NTSB NYC02FA106](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC02FA106.md): Cessna A185F · Pleasant Mount, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · May 30, 2002 · N1577B · Destroyed > The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision resulting in flight into adverse weather, and his failure to maintain aircraft control, resulting in overstress of the aircraft. A factor was the thunderstorm activity. - [NTSB SEA02FA011](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA02FA011.md): Cessna A185F · Lucile, ID · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 2001 · N61909 · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude above, and/or clearance with, mountainous terrain during night visual flight rules flight. Factors included mountainous terrain and dark night light conditions. - [NTSB ANC01FA102](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01FA102.md): Cessna 185 · Tyonek, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 2001 · N4849C · Substantial damage > A loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel system contamination with water, and the pilot's inadequate preflight procedures. A factor in the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing. - [NTSB ANC01WA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC01WA091.md): Cessna 185 · Yakutat, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jul 27, 2001 · N3800Q · Substantial damage - [NTSB FTW01FA020](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW01FA020.md): Cessna 185F · Jena, LA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2000 · N6232E · Destroyed > The pilot's decision to land on a highway with vehicle traffic and obstacles and his failure to maintain proper clearance from the obstacles. - [NTSB SEA00WA196](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00WA196.md): Cessna A185F · Smithers, Canada · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Sep 28, 2000 · N90151 · Destroyed - [NTSB SEA00LA017](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA00LA017.md): Cessna A185F · Astoria, OR · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 11, 1999 · N6245E · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after a delayed go-around. Factors include incapacitation due to the use of unapproved drugs. - [NTSB ANC99FA108](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99FA108.md): Cessna A185F · Juneau, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 9, 1999 · N80229 · Destroyed > The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions. Factors associated with the accident were mountainous/hilly terrain, low ceilings, the pilot's improper in-flight decision making, and the pilot's impairment from over-the-counter… - [NTSB ANC99FA070](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC99FA070.md): Cessna A185F · Soldotna, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1999 · N61609 · Substantial damage > The improper recovery from a bounced water landing by the pilot. Factors associated with this accident were the pilot's failure to release his seatbelt due to the obstructed location of the pilot's seatbelt buckle. - [NTSB LAX99FA027](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX99FA027.md): Cessna 150L · Yerington, NV · Accident · 3 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 1998 · N19281 · 2 aircraft · Destroyed > the failure of the pilot to see and avoid the aircraft ahead, which was already established in the traffic pattern. The failure of both pilots announce their intentions on the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency was a factor in this accident. - [NTSB ANC98FA116](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98FA116.md): Cessna A185F · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 6, 1998 · N5314R · Destroyed > Fuel starvation and the pilot's improper fuel tank selection. Factors associated with the accident were the pilot's failure to follow the pre-takeoff checklist and trees. - [NTSB CHI98FA344](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA344.md): Cessna A185F · Phillips, WI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 4, 1998 · N888KS · Destroyed > The pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance with trees. Contributing factors were fog, rain showers, and the trees. - [NTSB ANC98GA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98GA036.md): Cessna 185F · Nightmute, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Apr 9, 1998 · N5485R · Destroyed > The pilot's continued VFR flight into instrument meteorological conditions which resulted in spatial disorientation and subsequent loss of aircraft control. Factors in the accident were meteorological conditions consisting of low ceilings, and blowing snow,… - [NTSB NYC97WA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97WA115.md): Cessna 185F · Bagotville, Canada · Accident · 3 fatal · Foreign investigation · Jun 14, 1997 · N4758E · Destroyed - [NTSB ANC97FA051](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA051.md): Cessna 185 · Tatitlek, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Apr 9, 1997 · N59AK · 2 aircraft · Minor damage > The command pilots of both airplanes inadequate visual outlook which led to their failure to see and avoid each other's airplane. A factor associated with the accident was sunglare. - [NTSB ANC97FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA009.md): Cessna 185 · Marshall, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Nov 30, 1996 · N93829 · Destroyed > failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain. - [NTSB NYC95FA203](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC95FA203.md): Cessna A185F · Block Island, RI · Accident · 5 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1995 · N4944E · Destroyed > the pilot's failure to touch down a sufficient distance from shore, and his delay in aborting the landing. In addition, the pilot exceeded the airplane's weight and balance limits which reduced the airplane's performance. - [NTSB LAX95FA072](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95FA072.md): Cessna A185F · Tehachapi, CA · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jan 3, 1995 · N94296 · Destroyed > The noninstrument-rated pilot's continued flight into known adverse weather, and his failure to maintain adequate airspeed while maneuvering to reverse direction. Factors relating to the accident were: the mountainous terrain, and adverse weather conditions. - [NTSB CHI94FA082](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94FA082.md): Cessna A185F · Sterling Hgts, MI · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Feb 11, 1994 · N53064 · Destroyed > The pilot's impairment of judgment and performance due to alcohol, which led to his intentional buzzing, and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude (or clearance) from obstacles. Factors related to the accident were: darkness and the unlighted tower. - [NTSB SEA90FA163](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA90FA163.md): Cessna A185F · Wrangell, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 12, 1990 · N5317R · Destroyed > The pilot did not maintain an adequate airspeed. The pilot's lack of recent experience in the Cessna 185 was a contributing factor. - [NTSB ANC90FA105](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC90FA105.md): Cessna 185 · Iliamna, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 2, 1990 · N185KA · Substantial damage > The pilot's failure to follow proper procedures and directives (excessive flaps); failure to operate the airplane within the allowable gross weight limitations; improper compensation for wind conditions and failure to maintain minimum safe flying speed,… - [NTSB ANC89FA160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC89FA160.md): Cessna 185 · Tanacross, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1989 · N4838C · Destroyed > Poor judgement by the pilot by buzzing the airport and his failure to maintain sufficient altitude/clearance above the terrain. The pilot's use of abrupt maneuvers was a contributing factor. - [NTSB ANC88FA083](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC88FA083.md): Cessna 185 · Whittier, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1988 · N185BT · Substantial damage > The flight departed six mile lake on elmendorf air force base and was destined for coghill lake. The airplane was found at the 2500 foot level of a mountain on the north side of burns glacier. The airplane heading was 324 degrees. The heading to go through… - [NTSB ANC87FA101](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87FA101.md): Cessna 185 · Hinchinbrook Is, AK · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 19, 1987 · N1744R · Destroyed > According to witnesses the aircraft was low flying just above the tree level when the aircraft stalled and spun down into the trees. - [NTSB NYC87FA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87FA015.md): Cessna 185 · Greenville, ME · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1986 · N61438 · Substantial damage > Th plt stated that the acft encountered crosswinds of 20 KTS gusting to 30 KTS as the acft was coming off the step during liftoff in the open lake. The acft's right wing was forced down, the right float struck the water which resulted in the right wing… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?model=2072821&fatal=1&page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql 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_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE c."highestInjuryLevel" = 'Fatal' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072821', '2070107')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?fatal=1&model=2072821 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.