Accident Details
On November 18, 2025, at 12:30 eastern standard time, a Cessna 401A, registration N6255Q, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Eureka, North Carolina. The commercial pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 aerial observation flight.
Flight Sequence
The pilot reported that before the flight, the airplane was serviced with 124 gallons of fuel, topping off the tanks. The preflight inspection, takeoff, and climb to 17,000 ft were uneventful. During the flight, the pilot transferred fuel from the locker tanks into the main fuel tanks. Shortly after emptying the locker tanks, he switched to the auxiliary fuel tanks. He used the auxiliary tanks until they indicated 5 gallons on the fuel gauges, then switched back to the main tanks. Shortly thereafter, the left engine lost power. While performing the emergency checklist, the right engine also lost power.
The pilot trimmed the airplane for 120 knots and determined he could not reach his selected airport. He decided on a forced landing in a field. He lowered the landing gear and set the flaps to 10°. After landing, the nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to a stop.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the fuselage. Recovery personnel drained approximately 2 gallons of fuel from each auxiliary tank and about 25 gallons from each main fuel tank. The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.