401A

The Cessna 401A is a twin piston, low-wing aircraft designed to be a workhorse for cargo and small commuter operations. The original Cessna 401 model, certified in October 1968, was a non-pressurized aircraft capable of seating up to nine passengers plus one pilot. This design stemmed from the earlier Cessna 411 model.

The manufacturer, Cessna, has a foundational history in aviation, dating back to Clyde Cessna’s early aircraft designs in the 1920s. Over decades, Cessna became a leading producer of light and business aircraft globally. The company focused on reliable designs, solidifying its place in the aviation industry.

The 401 and 402 models were developed concurrently. The 401 was produced without the large cargo door that defined the 402. While the 402 model evolved into the 402A in 1969 with a stretched nose, the 401 kept the original nose design. This aircraft features retractable landing gear and three-bladed, constant speed, fully feathering propellers. Later variants sometimes included a propeller synchrophaser to reduce cabin vibration and noise, enhancing passenger comfort.