Cessna 180 Skywagon
11 models built 1953–1981 · 2,606 on the US register today
The Skywagon, in production from 1953 to 1981 and the aeroplane that defined the American backcountry and bush market: a tailwheel four-seater (six from the 180G) with a six-cylinder Continental O-470, a constant-speed propeller and a structure built to be loaded and landed on gravel. The letters are model years; the significant steps are the 230 hp engine (180C/D), the 185's fuselage and six-seat capacity (180G, 1964), the Camber-Lift wing (180J, 1973) and the O-470-U (180K, 1977).
The variants
| MODEL | YEARS | ACTIVE | TAILFAX SCORE | WHAT CHANGED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 180 | 1953–1981 | 1,178 | 21.9/50 | The original: 225 hp, squared tail |
| 180A | 1957 | 206 | 21.9/50 | New panel, improved tailwheel steering, higher gross weight |
| 180B | 1958 | 94 | 12.7/50 | Redesigned instrument panel |
| 180C | 1959 | 56 | Partial 10.3/30 | 230 hp O-470, revised cowling |
| 180D | 1960 | 51 | 10.7/50 | 230 hp O-470-L, new panel |
| 180E | 1962 | 33 | Partial 9.8/30 | New wingtips, more fuel options |
| 180F | 1963 | 42 | Partial 7.1/30 | Interior refinements |
| 180G | 1964 | 40 | Partial 10.9/30 | 185 fuselage, wings and gear; six seats |
| 180H | 1967 | 366 | 26.9/50 | 185 firewall, alternator, optional cargo pack |
| 180J | 1975 | 266 | 24.2/50 | Camber-Lift wing, bubble windows |
| 180K | 1977–1981 | 274 | 19.6/50 | O-470-U engine, T-panel, stronger tailwheel |
Family fleet, active
2,606
FAA registry
NTSB events / 1,000, 10 yrs
70.2
183 events over 2,606 active aircraft, pooled across the family
Successor
Data as of: FAA registry Sep 28 · NTSB Oct 2 · scores Sep 30