Fatal NTSB investigations: Cessna A185F
80 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna A185F. Aircraft are matched to the registry by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model, so older matches can be wrong.
Cases per year
| 1973 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1976 | 2 |
| 1977 | 1 |
| 1978 | 4 |
| 1979 | 4 |
| 1980 | 4 |
| 1981 | 4 |
| 1982 | 3 |
| 1983 | 2 |
| 1984 | 3 |
| 1985 | 2 |
| 1986 | 1 |
| 1987 | 1 |
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 2 |
| 1994 | 1 |
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 1 |
| 1997 | 2 |
| 1998 | 4 |
| 1999 | 3 |
| 2000 | 2 |
| 2001 | 3 |
| 2002 | 3 |
| 2003 | 1 |
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2007 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 2 |
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2020 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2024 | 1 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 4 |
Where
Open the mapLatest cases
Query with SQL
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_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"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.
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" DESCRun it at the DuckDB prompt, or in any tool that reads Parquet over HTTPS. More ways to query the release are on Use the data.
NTSB ANC27FA003Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldInvestigation openCessna A185F · Kodiak, AKNTSB ANC26FA105Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna A185F · Stony River, AKOn 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 ERA26FA205Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna A185F · Avon, MEOn 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 ERA26FA115Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna A185 · Everglades City, FLOn 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 ERA25FA309Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldPreliminary reportCessna A185F · Bangor, MEOn 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 WPR24FA285Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna A185F · Kent, WAThe 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 ANC23FA001Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna A185F · Fairbanks, AKThe 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 ANC20LA085Accident · 2 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185 · Fairbanks, AKThe 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 ANC20LA046Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · LimitedFinal reportCessna A185 · Nuiqsut, AKThe pilot’s controlled flight into flat snow-covered terrain in weather conditions that were conducive to flat light conditions.NTSB WPR19FA152Accident · 1 fatalClass 3 · FieldFinal reportCessna A185 · Whittier, AKThe 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 WPR16FA131Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Coeur d'Alene, IDThe pilot's failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering at low altitude in mountainous terrain.NTSB CEN14WA478Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna A185F · Baie-Comeau, CanadaNTSB WPR12FA184Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Blanding, UTThe 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 ERA11FA376Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Yabucoa, PRThe 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 ERA11GA207Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A185F · Ashland, MEAn inadvertent encounter with localized instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in spatial disorientation and a loss of control.NTSB ERA10LA389Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Newfane, NYThe 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 LAX08FA244Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Shelton, WAThe pilot's failure to attain and maintain adequate airspeed during initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.NTSB SEA07FA134Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Wilbur, WAIn-flight collision with terrain shortly after takeoff for undetermined reasons.NTSB SEA05WA193Accident · 2 fatalForeign investigationCessna A185F · Port Hardy, CanadaNTSB SEA05FA022Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185F · Renton, WAThe 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 SEA04FA169Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Toutle, WAThe 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 SEA04FA088Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Molalla, ORThe 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 DEN03FA059Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Grand Junction, COthe 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 DEN02GA102Accident · 1 fatalFinal reportCessna A185F · Howard, COthe 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 ANC02FA107Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Kodiak, AKThe 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 NYC02FA106Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Pleasant Mount, PAThe 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 SEA02FA011Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Lucile, IDThe 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 ANC01FA102Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Tyonek, AKA 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 ANC01WA091Accident · 1 fatalForeign investigationCessna 185 · Yakutat, AKNTSB FTW01FA020Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185F · Jena, LAThe pilot's decision to land on a highway with vehicle traffic and obstacles and his failure to maintain proper clearance from the obstacles.NTSB SEA00WA196Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna A185F · Smithers, CanadaNTSB SEA00LA017Accident · 1 fatalLimited investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Astoria, ORThe pilot's failure to maintain airspeed after a delayed go-around. Factors include incapacitation due to the use of unapproved drugs.NTSB ANC99FA108Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Juneau, AKThe 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 ANC99FA070Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Soldotna, AKThe 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 LAX99FA027Accident · 3 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 150L · Yerington, NVthe 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 ANC98FA116Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Ketchikan, AKFuel 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 CHI98FA344Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Phillips, WIThe pilot's failure to maintain adequate altitude/clearance with trees. Contributing factors were fog, rain showers, and the trees.NTSB ANC98GA036Accident · 2 fatalFinal reportCessna 185F · Nightmute, AKThe 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 NYC97WA115Accident · 3 fatalForeign investigationCessna 185F · Bagotville, CanadaNTSB ANC97FA051Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Tatitlek, AKThe 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 ANC97FA009Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Marshall, AKfailure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering at low altitude, which resulted in an inadvertent stall and collision with the terrain.NTSB NYC95FA203Accident · 5 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Block Island, RIthe 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 LAX95FA072Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Tehachapi, CAThe 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 CHI94FA082Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Sterling Hgts, MIThe 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 SEA90FA163Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna A185F · Wrangell, AKThe pilot did not maintain an adequate airspeed. The pilot's lack of recent experience in the Cessna 185 was a contributing factor.NTSB ANC90FA105Accident · 2 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Iliamna, AKThe 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 ANC89FA160Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Tanacross, AKPoor 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 ANC88FA083Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Whittier, AKThe 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 ANC87FA101Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Hinchinbrook Is, AKAccording to witnesses the aircraft was low flying just above the tree level when the aircraft stalled and spun down into the trees.NTSB NYC87FA015Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Greenville, METh 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…