Cessna 401A

Cessna · United States · first flew 1967 · light aircraft

The Cessna 401A is a variant of the Cessna 401 light twin-engine piston aircraft, designed for business and commuter transportation with seating for up to eight occupants. It incorporates minor equipment and systems improvements over the baseline Model 401.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.92 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Light twin-engine piston business aircraft
Retractable tricycle undercarriage
Continental TSIO-520 engines in wing nacelles

Conventional low-wing twin with retractable gear and two Continental turbocharged engines in round nacelles; closely resembles the Cessna 402 and 411 but is slightly smaller and has a shorter cabin.

Specifications

The Cessna 401A has a length of 10.92 m (36 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.22 m (37 ft).
Its maximum speed is 397 km/h (247 mph).
Typical crew: 1–2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Cessna introduced the 401 in 1967 as a lower-cost companion to the 411, using the same basic airframe but with less powerful engines. The 401A designation followed with the 1968 model year, incorporating refinements. The 401 family was phased out in the early 1970s when Cessna consolidated its twin range around the 402.

Variants

The 401 family includes the original 401, 401A, and 401B; the closely related 402 introduced a stretched fuselage and commuter-focused cabin. The 401B is also a distinct sub-variant.

Where you'll see it

Operated by business users, air taxi operators, and light commuter services primarily in North America; examples remain in civil service worldwide.

Related aircraft

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