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NTSB investigations: Cessna 185, AK

60 cases on aircraft the registry lists as Cessna 185. 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.

Defining event

Finding

Phase of flight

Aircraft model

Cases per year

19642026

NTSB investigations: Cessna 185, AK per year, 1964–2026: 60 cases
1964	8
1965	1
1966	5
1967	1
1968	2
1969	2
1970	2
1972	2
1973	1
1975	4
1978	2
1979	1
1980	1
1982	1
1987	2
1988	1
1989	2
1991	1
1992	1
1993	1
1996	1
1997	3
1998	2
2002	1
2003	1
2005	1
2007	1
2009	1
2011	1
2013	2
2014	1
2020	1
2021	1
2023	2

Where

Latest cases

Query with 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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA' AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072802')) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

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.\"eventStateOrRegion\" = 'AK' AND c.\"eventCountry\" = 'USA'
    AND c.\"mKey\" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072802'))
  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."eventStateOrRegion" = 'AK' AND c."eventCountry" = 'USA'
  AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT x.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' x WHERE x.aircraft_model_code IN ('2072802'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC

Run 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 ANC23LA075Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 185 · Healy, AKThe pilot’s selection of an unsuitable landing site, resulting in a nose over.Sep 12, 2023 · N34VV · Substantial damage NTSB ANC23LA059Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 185 · Iliamna, AKThe passenger’s inadvertent application of brakes during landing that resulted in a nose over.Aug 4, 2023 · N9855X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC21LA053Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · LimitedFinal reportCessna 185 · Kenney Lake, AKThe pilot’s failure to maintain adequate clearance from a tree during takeoff, which resulted in a loss of directional control and impact with terrain.Jul 6, 2021 · N185YT · Substantial damage NTSB ANC20CA022Accident · No injuriesClass 4 · Data collectionFinal reportCessna 182 · Koyuk, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing in flat light conditions, which resulted in a ground loop.Feb 20, 2020 · N969KM · Substantial damage NTSB ANC14CA077Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Gakona, AKThe pilot's inability to maintain directional control after the airplane's main landing gear tire deflated during takeoff.Sep 7, 2014 · N432X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC13CA108Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Mentasta Lake, AKThe pilots improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing.Sep 7, 2013 · N432X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC13CA082Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Sleetmute, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.Aug 16, 2013 · N185SN · Substantial damage NTSB ANC11LA068Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Kenai, AKThe loss of engine power for an undetermined reason, resulting in the ditching and sinking of the airplane in ocean waters.Jul 25, 2011 · N9852X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC09LA083Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · McCarthy, AKThe separation of the right main landing gear wheel from the airplane during landing for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an inability to control the airplane.Aug 16, 2009 · N8209U · Substantial damage NTSB ANC07CA033Accident · No injuriesData collectionFinal reportCessna 185 · Cantwell, AKThe pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during takeoff initial climb, which resulted in a descent into high vegetation, and a nose over. Factors contributing to the accident were the pilot's inadequate weather evaluation and a downdraft.May 10, 2007 · N9832X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC06LA001Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Iliamna, AKThe pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect water-contaminated fuel, resulting in a loss of engine power during cruise flight, and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.Oct 3, 2005 · N9950X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC03LA086Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Tyonek, AKThe pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a swerve and nose down.Jul 29, 2003 · N913SM · Substantial damage NTSB ANC02LA126Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Seward, AKA loss of directional control of the airplane due to the failure of the pilot to correct for torque/P Factor during the takeoff roll. A factor in the accident was a wet grass surface.Sep 3, 2002 · N9808X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC98FA079Accident · 1 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Big Lake, AKThe pilot's performance of a low level maneuver. Factors were the pilot's overconfidence in his personal ability, his lack of experience in the type of airplane, and his failure to maintain adequate clearance from terrain.Jun 18, 1998 · N9982X · Destroyed NTSB ANC98LA067Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Chickaloon, AKThe pilot's inadvertent activation of the fuel boost pump selector switch during final approach, which resulted in an overly rich mixture and subsequent loss of engine power.Jun 9, 1998 · N9855X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC97LA144Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Kotzebue, AKThe collapse/deflation of the right main tire when the tire slipped on the tire wheel rim which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear due to overload.Sep 3, 1997 · N185QB · Substantial damage NTSB ANC97LA110Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Talkeetna, AKThe pilots failure to maintain terrain clearance during the downslope, downwind, high altitude, takeoff. Factors were the snow and lighting conditions, and the tailwind takeoff.Jul 23, 1997 · N9855X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC97LA017Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185F · Nome, AKthe pilot's failure to properly verify the position of a fractured fuel selector handle, which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. A factor related to the accident was: the fractured handle that allowed the fuel selector to be…Jan 2, 1997 · N23CB · Substantial damage NTSB ANC96LA040Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Anchorage, AKthe pilot's inadequate compensation for gusty crosswind conditions. The strong, gusty crosswind was a factor.Mar 31, 1996 · N9875X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC93LA097Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 180 · Anchorage, AKSeparation of the right main landing gear wheel.Jun 20, 1993 · N9968X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC92FA141Accident · 4 fatalField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Whittier, AKPilot in command's intentional flight into known adverse weather conditions. Factors relating to the accident were: the pilot's disregard for adverse weather advisory, weather conditions (clouds) and mountainous terrain.Aug 23, 1992 · N9829X · Destroyed NTSB ANC91LA145Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Talkeetna, AKWas the pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the downdraft and unfavorable wind.Sep 5, 1991 · N9974X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC89LA131Accident · Minor injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Tozitna River, AKImproper preflight planning/preparation by the pilot. High obstructions, unfavorable wind conditions, and trees were contributing factors.Jul 31, 1989 · N4005Y · Substantial damage NTSB ANC89LA058Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Trinity Lake, AKThe pilot's selection of unsuitable terrain on which to land.Apr 12, 1989 · N9850X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC88LA141Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Mcclaren River, AKAccording to the pilot, the landing gear struck either a depression or an object on the riverbed/runway during takeoff roll and veered left. He corrected the deviation and continued taking off. However, when the airplane reached the end of the airstrip, he…Sep 16, 1988 · N73DA · Substantial damage NTSB ANC88FA012Accident · No injuriesField investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Anchorage, AKThe relatively inexperienced seaplane pilot-in-command made one go around when he experienced difficulty in identifying the surface of the glassy water. On the second landing attempt he flew the airplane into the water at a negative angle of attack. The…Oct 26, 1987 · N9946X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC87LA157Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Little Delta Rv, AKThe pilot stated that approximately 1000 feet after commencing the take off the airplane climbed to just above tree top level and then began to settle into the trees. The pilot also stated he believes the airplane stalled.Sep 17, 1987 · N9914X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC83LA009Accident · No injuriesLimited investigationFinal reportCessna 185 · Stony River, AKAccording to the plt it snowed heavily the prior day & people on the ground used their snowmobiles to pack down a landing area. Upon landing the acft rolled 400-500 ft & struck a 6-inch snow hump turning the acft over.Oct 29, 1982 · N9982X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC80DA074Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Collinsville, AKJul 18, 1980 · N9855X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC79DAA30Accident · Serious injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Arctic Village, AKAug 8, 1979 · N4033Y · Substantial damage NTSB ANC79DAG07Accident · Serious injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Pt Possession, AKSep 28, 1978 · N4004Y · Substantial damage NTSB ANC77DAH51Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Cordova, AKSep 19, 1978 · N9868X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC76AA047Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 185 · Anchorage, AKNov 9, 1975 · N9874X · Destroyed NTSB ANC76DAG42Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Farewell, AKAug 24, 1975 · N9982X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC76DAG13Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Mcgrath, AKJul 5, 1975 · N9828X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC75AA067Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Goodnews, AKMar 1, 1975 · N9868X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC73AA052Accident · 1 fatalClosedCessna 185 · Aniak, AKJun 23, 1973 · N70096 · Destroyed NTSB ANC73DAG06Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Anchorage, AKJul 18, 1972 · N9974X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC72FAA30Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Fairbanks, AKMay 11, 1972 · N9939X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC71FAG58Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Glenallen, AKNov 26, 1970 · N9974X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC71DAG59Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Glenallen, AKNov 20, 1970 · N9974X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC69A0065Accident · Serious injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Kipnuk, AKJun 14, 1969 · N9816X · No damage NTSB ANC69A0039Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Dillingham, AKFeb 4, 1969 · N9868X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC69D0098Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Northway, AKDec 22, 1968 · N9914X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC68A0040Accident · 3 fatalClosedCessna 185A · Puntlla, AKFeb 27, 1968 · N1626Z · Destroyed NTSB ANC67D0088Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Coopers Lndg, AKMar 14, 1967 · N9909X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC67A0031Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Napakiak, AKSep 29, 1966 · N9850X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC66A0043Accident · Minor injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Iliamna, AKMay 16, 1966 · N9962X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC66F0106Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Petersburg, AKMay 10, 1966 · N9899X · Substantial damage NTSB ANC66A0034Accident · No injuriesClosedCessna 185 · Stebbins, AKFeb 19, 1966 · N9950X · Substantial damage