Cessna 402

Quality 0.50 · 2 views · Updated 2 months ago

American light twin-engine aircraft

title: "Cessna 402" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["cessna-aircraft", "1960s-united-states-civil-utility-aircraft", "low-wing-aircraft", "aircraft-first-flown-in-1965", "twin-piston-engined-tractor-aircraft", "aircraft-with-retractable-tricycle-landing-gear"] description: "American light twin-engine aircraft" topic_path: "geography/united-states" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cessna_402" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary American light twin-engine aircraft ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox aircraft"]

FieldValue
nameCessna 401 & 402
imageFile:PH-MAZ Directie Noordzee (cropped).jpg
captionRijkswaterstaat Cessna 402
typeCorporate transport and airliner
national_originUnited States
manufacturerCessna
designer
first_flightAugust 26, 1965
introduction1967
retired
status
primary_userCape Air
more_users
produced1966–1985
developed_fromCessna 411
variants
developed_intoCessna 404 Titan
Cessna 414
::

|name= Cessna 401 & 402 |image= File:PH-MAZ Directie Noordzee (cropped).jpg |caption= Rijkswaterstaat Cessna 402 |type= Corporate transport and airliner |national_origin = United States |manufacturer= Cessna |designer= |first_flight= August 26, 1965 |introduction = 1967 |retired= |status= |primary_user=Cape Air |more_users= |produced= 1966–1985 |number_built= |developed_from = Cessna 411 |variants = |developed_into = Cessna 404 Titan Cessna 414

The Cessna 401 and 402 are a series of 6 to 10 seat, light twin-piston engine aircraft. All seats are easily removable so that the aircraft can be used in an all-cargo configuration. Neither the Cessna 401 nor the 402 were pressurized, nor were they particularly fast for the installed power. Instead, Cessna intended them to be inexpensive to purchase and operate.

Design

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c2/Cessna_402B...,_Tridente_AN0974089.jpg" caption="Cabin"] ::

The Cessna 401 and 402 were developed to be non-pressurized twin engine piston aircraft. Their goal was to be a workhorse, useful to cargo and small commuter airlines among other users.

The Cessna 401 and 402 were developments of the Cessna 411. One goal for the Cessna 401/402 was to improve upon the very bad single engine handling of the Cessna 411. Another goal was to avoid using the somewhat expensive and maintenance prone geared engines of the Cessna 411.

Cessna 401s and 402s are powered by 300 hp turbocharged Continental engines with three-bladed, constant speed, fully feathering propellers. On later models cruise power was limited to 75% to reduce cabin noise. Some aircraft have a propeller synchrophaser to reduce cabin noise and vibration.

Development

The FAA granted certification to the Cessna 401 in October 1968 and the 402 in January 1969. The original Cessna 402 was introduced in 1967. A version without the large cargo door called the Cessna 401 was produced at the same time. In 1969, the 402's nose was stretched for added baggage space. This model was renamed the 402A. The 401 kept the original nose. In 1970, various minor changes were made. Also, optional larger fuel tanks, of 184 USgal, became available. This model was called the 402B. By 1971, sales of the 401 had slowed to only 21 planes, so the model was discontinued.

Between 1971 and 1977, many changes were made to the airframe, including an optional engine fire extinguisher (1971), simpler exhaust system (1972), enlarged passenger windows (1973), equipment for flight into known icing conditions (1975), and an optional flushing toilet (1977).

In 1976, the very similar Cessna 421 was produced with a new wing, no tip tanks, and a simpler fuel system. The Cessna 414 was given a clean wing in 1978.

In 1979, the 402s received a new wing, with a 5 ft greater span. The landing gear was replaced, using the simpler system from the Cessna 414. The landing gear track was also increased by 4 ft. The engines' output was boosted to 325 hp each and max gross weight increased to 6850 lb, creating a much more useful airplane. Fuel capacity was increased to 213 USgal. Even with the weight increase, single-engine performance improved and the stall speed decreased by a couple of knots. After this change, the plane was named the Cessna 402C.

Production stopped after the 1985 model year.

Modifications

In 1969, American Jet Industries began work on a turboprop-powered conversion of the Cessna 402, named the Turbo Star 402, using Allison 250-B17 engines. The prototype flew on June 10, 1970.

The Cessna 402C may be outfitted with vortex generators to increase maximum allowable takeoff weight to 7210 lb, with a zero-fuel weight of 6750 lb.

Another modification for the 402C increases the maximum landing weight to 7200 lb, which allows commercial operators to fly with an increased payload on shorter routes.

Hendrik Venter of DMI engineering created the Falcon 402: a converted Cessna 402 fitted with a single Walter M601D turboprop in the nose and replacing the two piston engines in the wings with new fuel tanks. The nose was lengthened in order to correct the centre of gravity. It has an increased payload and top speed and can use shorter runways.

Variants

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c7/The_Cessna_401_(1086058217).jpg" caption="Early models have four oval windows, a short nose and tip tanks."] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c9/Cessna_402C_N83PB_Cape_Air_Nantucket_MA_08.06.05R_edited-2.jpg" caption="Later 402Cs have five windows, a longer nose for luggage and no tip tanks."] ::

This family of aircraft was built in several versions:

;401 :Six to eight seat interior, intended for corporate transport. Produced 1966–1972. The replacement for the 401 in the corporate transport role was the 402 Businessliner variant. Certified September 20, 1966. ;401A :A 401 with minor changes. Certified October 29, 1968. ;401B :A 401A with minor changes, later replaced by the 402B. Certified November 12, 1969. ;402 :A 401 with either a utility (for freight) or nine-seat commuter use. Certified September 20, 1966. Originally designated Model 360. ;402A :A 402 with a baggage compartment in lengthened nose and an optional crew entry door. Certified January 3, 1969. ;402B Utiliner/Businessliner :402A with minor changes, from 1972 had increased cabin volume and five windows each side. Certified November 12, 1969. :*Utiliner version has a ten-seat interior intended for commuter airline operations. :*Businessliner version has a six to eight-seat interior with executive seating intended for corporate transport. ;402C Utiliner/Businessliner :402B with Continental TSIO-520-VB 325 hp engines, increased takeoff weight, longer wingspan without main tip tanks and hydraulic instead of electric landing gear. Certified September 25, 1978.

Operators

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/eb/Cape_Air_Cessna_402C,N2651S@BOS,04.02.2008-497ac-Flickr-_Aero_Icarus.jpg" caption="[[Cape Air]] Cessna 402Cs at [[Boston Logan]] in 2008"] ::

Civilian

The Cessna 402 has proven to be very dependable over the years, which, along with its range and passenger capacity, has made it a popular choice for many small regional airlines worldwide. The aircraft are generally flown on short, thin routes to hubs where passengers can connect to higher density routes.

The largest operator of the type is Cape Air, which as of March 2024 has a fleet of 64 Cessna 402s operating in the Caribbean, Micronesia and the United States.

Military

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/SE-GYP-C402-1487.jpg" caption="Swedish Coast Guard]] in 1981"] ::

;

Accidents and incidents

American R&B singer Aaliyah died along with eight others, including the pilot, two hairstylists, a makeup artist, a bodyguard, and three record label professionals, when a Cessna 402B registered N8097W operated by Blackhawk International Airways, crashed shortly after takeoff on August 25, 2001, around 6:50p.m. local time, in Marsh Harbour, Abaco Islands, The Bahamas. The main cause of the crash was determined to be an improperly loaded aircraft, which was approximately 700 lb over its maximum takeoff weight, with a center of gravity well aft of the envelope. Investigators discovered that the pilot, was unlicensed at the time of the crash and had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system. Blackhawk surrendered its operating certificate to the FAA. Aaliyah's family later filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Blackhawk, which was settled out of court.

On September 9, 2021, a Cessna 402C crashed after a failed a go-around attempt at Provincetown Municipal Airport. The plane was severely damaged but there were no casualties.

On January 8, 2025, a Cessna 402C operated by Pacifica Aviation (officially Pacifica de Aviación) carrying ten people (two crew, eight passengers) flying from Juradó Airport to Medellín-Enrique Olaya Herrera Airport in Colombia crashed into a wooded mountainside, killing all on board.

Specifications (402C Businessliner)

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/08/Cessna_402C_3-view_line_drawing.svg" caption="3-view line drawing of the Cessna 401C"] ::

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8d/Cessna_402B...,_Tridente_AN0978709.jpg" caption="Flight deck"] ::

|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1982–83 |prime units?=kts General characteristics

|genhide=

|crew=Two pilots |capacity=Six passengers |length m= |length ft=36 |length in=4+1/2 |length sigfig=4 |span m= |span ft=44 |span in=1+1/2 |span sigfig=4 |height m= |height ft=11 |height in=5+1/2 |height sigfig=3 |wing area sqm= |wing area sqft=225.8 |airfoil=NACA 23018 (root) NACA 23015 (tip) |empty weight kg= |empty weight lb=4077 |gross weight kg= |max takeoff weight lb=6850 |fuel capacity=206 USgal usable fuel Powerplant

|eng1 number=2 |eng1 name=Continental TSIO-520-VB |eng1 type=air-cooled turbocharged flat-six engines |eng1 kw= |eng1 hp=325

|prop blade number=3 |prop name=McCauley 0850334-34 constant speed propeller |prop dia m= |prop dia ft= |prop dia in=

Performance

|perfhide=

|never exceed speed kts=231 |never exceed speed note=(CAS) |max speed kmh= |max speed mph= |max speed kts=231 |max speed note=at 16000 ft |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed mph= |cruise speed kts=142 |cruise speed note=at 10000 ft (econ cruise) |stall speed kts=68 |stall speed note= (flaps down, power off) (CAS) |range km= |range miles= |range nmi=1273 |range note= at 10000 ft, econ cruise |ceiling m= |ceiling ft=26900 |climb rate ms= |climb rate ftmin=1450 |more performance=*Takeoff distance to 50 ft (15m): 2195 ft

  • Landing distance from 50 ft (15m): 2485 ft

|avionics=

References

Notes

Bibliography

References

  1. Plane and Pilot: ''1978 Aircraft Directory'', page 92. Werner & Werner Corp, Santa Monica CA, 1977. {{ISBN. 0-918312-00-0
  2. Montgomery, MR & Gerald Foster: ''A Field Guide to Airplanes, Second Edition'', page 108. Houghton Mifflin Company, 1992. {{ISBN. 0-395-62888-1
  3. Aviation Consumer's Used Aircraft Guide vol 2
  4. Leroy Cook. (September 23, 2015). "The Cessna 402: A Versatile Cabin-Class Twin".
  5. "Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1977–78". Jane's Yearbooks.
  6. Taylor, Michael J. H.. (1989). "Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation". Studio Editions.
  7. "Cessna 402C - Micro Vortex Generator Kit ( Micro VGs)".
  8. (July 17, 2012). "AeroAcoustics Aircraft Systems Aircraft Payload Extender APE XL for 4…".
  9. "Pilot's Post - Falcon 402 Project".
  10. Demand Media, Inc. (2008). "The Cessna 411, 401 & 402".
  11. (February 21, 2020). "Type Certificate Data Sheet No. A7CE Revision 50". [[Federal Aviation Administration]].
  12. Simpson, R.W.. (1991). "Airlife's General Aviation". Airlife Publishing.
  13. Cape Air. (2019). "About Us".
  14. (April 23, 2015). "Cape Air Sustains Cessna 402 Fleet While Searching for Replacement".
  15. Hoyle, Craig. (2025). "World Air Forces 2026". [[FlightGlobal]].
  16. Hagedorn, Daniel P.. (1993). "Central American and Caribbean Air Forces". Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd.
    • 1 Cessna 402 in service as of December 2020.Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2020, p. 14.
  18. Siegrist, Martin. (October 1987). "Bolivian Air Power — 70 Years On".
  19. Hoyle ''Flight International'' 2020, p. 16.
  20. Wheeler, Barry C.. (October 4, 1980). "World's Air Forces 1980".
  21. "World Military Aircraft Inventory", Aerospace Source Book 2007, ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', January 15, 2007.
  22. Hagedorn, Daniel P.. (1993). "Central American and Caribbean Air Forces". Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd.
  23. "Pesawat Cessna 401A/402A Pioneer Sang "Walet"".
  24. Gaines, Mike. (November 6, 1982). "World's Air Forces 1982".
  25. Hagedorn, Daniel P.. (1993). "Central American and Caribbean Air Forces". Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd.
  26. (Spring 2003). "Air Power Intelligence: Aviación Naval Paraguaya".
  27. Niccoli, Riccardo. (May–June 1998). "Portuguese Numerology: Serial systems used by the Aeronautica Militar and the Força Aerea Portuguesa".
  28. Hatch, Paul F.. (November 29, 1986). "World's Air Forces 1986".
  29. ''Flight International'' November 30, 1985, p. 99.
  30. (August 25, 2001). "NTSB Identification: MIA01RA225". National Transportation Safety Board.
  31. Schumacher-Rasmussen, Eric. (August 29, 2001). "Pilot Of Aaliyah's Plane Had Been Caught With Cocaine, Was Not Authorized To Fly: Luis Morales' pilot's license should have been revoked under FAA rules". MTV.com.
  32. Schumacher-Rasmussen, Eric. (August 26, 2001). "Aaliyah Killed In Plane Crash". MTV.com.
  33. (November 21, 2001). "U.S. opens criminal probe into Aaliyah crash". [[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]].
  34. Silverman, Stephen M.. "Aaliyah's Parents Settle Crash Lawsuit". People.
  35. "Accident Cessna 402C N88833 Thursday 9 September 2021".
  36. Robles, Carlos. (January 8, 2025). "Plane carrying 10 people goes missing in Colombia". BNO News.
  37. Taylor, John W. R.. (1982). "Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83". Jane's Yearbooks.

::callout[type=info title="Wikipedia Source"] This article was imported from Wikipedia and is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License. Content has been adapted to SurfDoc format. Original contributors can be found on the article history page. ::

cessna-aircraft1960s-united-states-civil-utility-aircraftlow-wing-aircraftaircraft-first-flown-in-1965twin-piston-engined-tractor-aircraftaircraft-with-retractable-tricycle-landing-gear