Is a twin Cessna 401 , a good sound & safe plane to buy ?

Question

Is a twin Cessna 401 , a good sound & safe plane to buy ?

Answer 1

Watch out for the spar AD but twin Cessna's ain't junk.  Navajo's were plagued with problems too, and a whole bunch of AD's on the IO-540.  Do your research though, there are not a whole lot of 401's flying and they're getting old.

For a similar price consider the 310/320, and Beech Baron's.

Answer 2

Depends on a lot of things, Logs? damage history? hours on engines,  The only major AD is for the spar other than that if everything checks out go for it, It is a great time to snatch up an old twin or high performance single for pennies on the dollar compared to 5 years ago.

You might want to invest in avgas because those old 520s are thirsty.

Answer 3

Yes , I have flown it several times and I find It to be very smooth , nice range and a service height at 26,900. You should buy It If you need to carry extra people or travel a little further , otherwise buy a Turbo charged single.

Answer 4

400 series Cessna's are junk (except the new Cessna old Columbia 400).

If you've found one for a good price, chances are it doesn't have the spar AD done.  This involves tearing the wings and engine mounts apart which will expose lots of corrosion that has been festering for years.  It will be a very big bill by the end of it all.

Add to that the fuel costs, the insurance costs (if they will insure you), and maintenance of two turbocharged engines that almost never make it to TBO, two variable pitch props, and retractable gear.

As far as safe goes?  When flown by a competent pilot (one who flys at least 200hrs a year) these planes are safer than singles but they can be more deadly in the hands of a novice.  I recommend for anyone who want's to get a high performance aircraft to get a larger single-engined plane first.  Like a Bonanza A36, a Saratoga, a Centurion, or a Malibu.  They will go nearly as fast while costing a fraction of the price (total shell-out, not just purchase price).  If you still think you need a twin after flying for a few hours, then consider some different aircraft.

For twins I would recommend either the Beech Baron or the Piper Navajo.  Both are high quality, relatively low maintenance, and easy to fly.

Answer 5

Good old airplane, with limitations.  For the same mission profile, also consider a Piper Navajo.

Answer 6

Used airplanes are all about the maintenance.  Two identical looking aircraft sitting on the ramp... One has a perfect maintenance record, and one has no maintenance record at all... Which one would you want to fly?

If you are thinking about buying a used airplane, find a well qualified mechanic with experience maintaining that type of aircraft, and have them do a thorough pre-purchase inspection.  Perhaps the seller will be willing to help pay for a fresh annual as well, but make sure YOU pick the mechanic and the shop to do the work.