Cessna 185 Skywagon
9 models built 1961–1985 · 1,588 on the US register today
The Skywagon 185, the largest of Cessna's tailwheel singles and the standard heavy-hauling bush aeroplane of the western hemisphere, built 1961-1985: a 180 airframe strengthened for a 260 hp (later 300 hp) Continental, six seats, a cargo door and routine operation on floats and skis. The 185E (1966) brought the 300 hp IO-520 that the type is remembered for; the A-prefixed models are the utility-category versions; the A185F (1973-85) added the Camber-Lift wing and 28-volt electrics.
The variants
| MODEL | YEARS | ACTIVE | TAILFAX SCORE | WHAT CHANGED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 185 | 1961–1962 | 98 | 22.3/50 | The original: 260 hp IO-470, six seats |
| 185A | 1962 | 48 | Partial 5.6/30 | New wingtips, dual fuel pumps, vernier controls |
| 185B | 1963 | 14 | — | Overhead light console |
| 185C | 1964 | 22 | Partial 3/30 | Alternator, tailwheel lock |
| 185D | 1965 | 30 | Partial 10.3/30 | Open-view control wheels, new panel |
| 185E | 1966 | 14 | — | 300 hp IO-520-D; 3,300 lb gross |
| A185E | 1969 | 252 | 22.6/50 | Utility-category 300 hp version of the 185E |
| 185F | 1973–1985 | 1 | — | Registry spelling of the A185F |
| A185F | 1973–1985 | 1,109 | 24.3/50 | Camber-Lift wing, 28-volt electrics, 1973 on |
Family fleet, active
1,588
FAA registry
NTSB events / 1,000, 10 yrs
87.5
139 events over 1,588 active aircraft, pooled across the family
Data as of: FAA registry Sep 28 · NTSB Oct 2 · scores Sep 30