Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 401 near Eureka, NC — 2025-11-18

Investigation ongoingERA26LA050
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Date
2025-11-18
Location
Eureka, NC, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 401
Registration
N6255Q
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On November 18, 2025, at 12:30 eastern standard time, a Cessna 401A, N6255Q, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Eureka, North Carolina. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight. The pilot reported that, prior to the flight, he had the airplane serviced with 124 gallons of fuel, topping off the fuel tanks. The pilot stated that the preflight inspection, takeoff, and climb to 17,000 ft were uneventful. During the flight, the pilot transferred the fuel in the locker tanks into the main fuel tanks; shortly after emptying the locker tanks, he switched to the auxiliary fuel tanks. The pilot stated that he utilized the auxiliary fuel tanks until they were at the 5-gallon mark on the fuel gauges. The pilot then switched to the main fuel tanks; shortly thereafter, he reported the left engine lost power. As he started performing the emergency checklist, the right engine lost power. After the losses of engine power, the pilot stated that he trimmed the airplane for 120 knots. The pilot determined he would be unable to reach his selected airport and decided to perform a forced landing in a field. The pilot lowered the landing gear and set the flaps to 10°. After landing on the field, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. According to the recovery personnel, about 2 gallons of fuel were drained from each auxiliary tank, and about 25 gallons were drained from each main fuel tank. The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Maneuvering
View NTSB preliminary report

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