One-Owner 1978 Cessna A185F Skywagon: Rugged Utility Meets Timeless Value
When it comes to rugged reliability, few aircraft match the versatility and enduring performance of the Cessna 185 Skywagon. Known for its utility and short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance, the A185F model has long been a favorite among bush pilots, backcountry adventurers, and operators needing a tough, go-anywhere platform.
The 1978 Cessna A185F up for auction from April 23–30, 2025, is an exceptional example of this iconic aircraft. N401D has been owned by one family since new—nearly five decades of consistent ownership and care. With just 4,330 total time on the airframe and a low-time prop, it’s a rare opportunity to acquire a clean, hangar-kept Skywagon with proven pedigree. This aircraft offers excellent value, reliability, and performance—a reflection of both the Cessna brand and the stewardship of its single-family ownership.
A Look Back: Cessna and the Skywagon Line
Cessna Aircraft Company, founded in 1927, has a long-standing reputation for building reliable, high-performance general aviation aircraft. Through decades of innovation, Cessna became a household name among pilots seeking durable, purpose-built aircraft for business, recreation, and utility flying.
Introduced in 1961, the Cessna 185 Skywagon was developed as a beefed-up successor to the already capable Cessna 180. With a six-cylinder engine and robust taildragger design, the 185 offered improved payload, increased horsepower, and backcountry utility. Over the years, it evolved into the A185F model, which included upgrades to the avionics panel, interior, and gross weight. Production ran until 1985, making the Skywagon a legend in both civilian and commercial applications, especially in regions like Alaska and Canada where unimproved strips and remote operations are the norm.
Versatility and Use Cases of the Cessna A185F
The A185F is perhaps best known for its utility role. With a useful load of over 1,400 pounds and the ability to operate from short, unprepared strips, the Skywagon has been used for everything from flying supplies into the bush to towing gliders, aerial survey, agricultural spraying, and floatplane operations. Its adaptability to skis and floats makes it a top performer in any season or environment.
Thanks to its 300-horsepower Continental engine and rugged fixed-gear taildragger layout, the A185F also offers reliable cross-country performance. With a cruise speed of 145 knots at 75% power and a range of 720 nautical miles, it can comfortably handle longer legs when needed—making it equally at home in the backcountry or on long-distance VFR flights.
One-Owner History: A Standout Example
This particular 1978 Cessna A185F, registration number N401D, stands out for more than its technical specs. What truly sets it apart is its singular ownership history. Since rolling off the line in 1977, it has remained with the same family—a rarity in general aviation. This continuity of ownership is more than a point of pride; it’s a testament to careful maintenance, consistent storage, and thoughtful operation.
Always hangared and maintained to a high standard, N401D reflects the kind of long-term care that simply can’t be replicated through multiple owners. This aircraft has never fallen into neglect or abuse and has always been kept ready for the next flight—just as it has since new.
Airframe
The airframe of this 1978 Cessna A185F shows just 4,330 hours total time. That’s a modest number for an aircraft of this age, especially considering its rugged, utility role. More importantly, it has always been stored in a hangar, which helps preserve the aircraft’s structure and skin.
With a useful load of 1,441 pounds and 80-gallon fuel capacity, N401D is well-suited for backcountry operations or heavy-hauling tasks. The stall speed is just 49 knots with flaps down, giving it excellent short-field performance. It received its most recent Annual Inspection on September 12, 2024.
This Skywagon is certified in the Normal category and has seating for four. Its registration number is N401D, and the serial number is 18503517.
Engine
Powering N401D is a Continental IO-520-D fuel-injected, six-cylinder engine rated at 300 horsepower. This engine is well-known in aviation circles for its performance and reliability, especially in high-demand STOL environments.
The engine currently has 1,205 hours since major overhaul (SMOH). The overhaul was completed on April 19, 2001, by Firewall Forward, Inc., a reputable engine overhaul facility. While not freshly overhauled, this engine is mid-time and remains strong—ideal for buyers who want reliable performance with room in the lifecycle before another overhaul is due.
Two tachometers have been installed over the years, with the latest one dated September 20, 2001, indicating careful record-keeping and consistency in operations.
Propeller
The McCauley D2A34C58-O propeller is a two-blade, constant-speed, aluminum unit—a proven match for the IO-520-D engine. The propeller has only 30 hours since major overhaul (SMOH), making it effectively near-new in terms of service life.
The overhaul was performed on March 22, 2021, by Precision Propeller Service. Blade model numbers are S-90 AT-4, with serial numbers 1E044YS and 1E057YS. A low-time prop is a key value feature for any buyer looking for minimal upfront maintenance and reliable forward performance.
Avionics
While not IFR-certified, N401D offers a solid VFR avionics suite, combining legacy systems with modern additions:
- OMI Marker Beacon Audio Panel
- Two ARC RT-385A Nav/Com units
- Garmin GPSMap 295 – Portable GPS with moving map
- ARC R-546E 300 ADF
- BendixKing KN-62 DME
- Appareo Stratus ESG Transponder (ADS-B Out)
- Davtron M811C Chronometer
Basic flight instruments include an airspeed indicator, turn coordinator, attitude indicator, heading indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, and tachometer.
This avionics package is practical for day VFR and cross-country flying. The Appareo Stratus ESG provides compliance with the FAA’s ADS-B Out mandate—making this aircraft fully airspace-legal without additional upgrades.
Exterior
The aircraft exterior is finished in a clean white paint scheme with red accents. The paint appears well-maintained, thanks in part to the aircraft being stored in a hangar since new. This not only preserves paint quality but also prevents UV and moisture damage that can degrade appearance and reduce value.
There is no known corrosion, and there are no cosmetic flaws reported, making this one of the cleaner examples of a 1970s-era Skywagon available today.
Interior
The interior continues the red and cream color theme. Red seats and carpet pair with red-and-cream interior panels and a cream headliner. The layout is functional and classic, in line with the utilitarian design of the 185.
The seating is configured for four, making it suitable for both family flights and cargo runs. The interior shows very well for the aircraft’s age, reflecting the care of long-term ownership.
Additional Features and Condition
N401D has been involved in only one known incident: damage to the right wing, which was fully repaired in 2010 by Beegles Aircraft Service, a trusted name in aircraft repair. There are no missing logbooks, no known corrosion, and no outstanding flaws reported.
The aircraft is float- and ski-capable with the right modifications, and as it stands, it’s ready for backcountry strips, grass fields, or paved runways. This clean, well-cared-for aircraft has no operational issues and is ready for immediate use.
Upcoming Auction Information
This aircraft will be sold at auction through Airspace Auctions, a leader in online aircraft sales.
Auction Dates: April 23–30, 2025
Starting Bid: $125,000
Buyer Premium: 5%
Deposit Required: $4,000
Auction Location: Douglas, Wyoming
Contact Person: Matt Hutton
With a reasonable starting bid and proven pedigree, this Cessna A185F represents a compelling value. Given its clean condition, low prop time, strong airframe, and one-owner history, it’s likely to attract serious interest from pilots, collectors, and utility operators.
Why This Aircraft Stands Out
Among the many Cessna 185s in circulation, few can match the condition and provenance of N401D. One-owner aircraft are rare and typically indicate a consistent maintenance history, complete records, and careful use. This aircraft is no exception.
Combined with a hangared life, clean interior and exterior, low-time prop, and mid-time engine, N401D offers excellent value for anyone seeking a backcountry-capable aircraft with strong performance and minimal deferred maintenance.
Whether you’re a bush pilot, a weekend flyer, or looking to add a proven utility aircraft to your operation, this Skywagon checks all the boxes.
Final Thoughts
The 1978 Cessna A185F Skywagon has stood the test of time, and N401D is an outstanding example of why the model remains so respected. With STOL capability, 145-knot cruise speed, excellent useful load, and a rugged airframe, it’s one of the most versatile taildraggers ever built.
More importantly, this one-owner aircraft reflects careful, consistent care—something that simply can’t be replicated by changing hands. Always hangared and well-documented, it’s ready for its next mission.
If you’re in the market for a clean, proven aircraft that offers reliability, performance, and enduring value, mark your calendar for April 23–30, 2025. This is a rare opportunity to own one of the finest examples of a classic Skywagon on the market.
