It seems there is no other content area that has enjoyed as much growth on the likes of YouTube as there has been with private pilots and accident reporting. Perhaps it’s just my content mix, but it seems every week now there is someone else reviving a long-dead airplane, which is a different level of table stakes than dragging an old Camaro out of the barn. In addition, pilots spend a fair amount of time documenting their own work along with the performance of others, particularly as it relates to crash reporting, a category you don’t want to find yourself in. If you’re a proven pilot, perhaps you’ll want to check out this 1972 Cessna 414 listed here on Facebook Marketplace for $199,000.
I will admit to being intrigued at the idea of becoming a pilot. However, given there’s no stirring reason for me to introduce this level of risk into my life, and also because I don’t have a spare $200K lying around, I don’t foresee it happening. That being said, those of you that can take off for a quick island getaway, or simply hop over the traffic on a nearby interstate, have my admiration. This particular Cessna model is noted for its spacious cabin which allow you to transport up to 7 passengers in comfort. However, a key gripe with this model is that limited cargo capacity means those guests can’t bring a ton of luggage with them.
For whatever reason, I’ve gone down the YouTube rabbit hole of post-crash reports, and it’s amazing how many times being over the weight limit of private aircraft has sent pleasure seekers plummeting to the ground. In general, there’s a significant amount of responsibility on the part of the pilot to ensure that a variety of pre-flight checklists are adhered to, from weather conditions to pre-flight weight. Skipping any one of those can be fatal. Of course, on top of that, you want an aircraft that has been maintained to the highest standards possible, and with an excellent avionics package and recently overhauled engines, this Cessna checks those boxes.
The listing notes that one engine was overhauled in 2024 and another in 2004; both props were overhauled in 2008. In the world of aircrafts, the other Continental engine may need servicing again soon, but I don’t claim to have a baseline for how many years can transpire between rebuilds. All that being said, the listing claims this 414 is otherwise ready to go and can be flown by its next owner from its current home base of KARB in Ann Arbor, MI. For any of our pilot readers, how would you rate this aircraft and its asking price? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Jack M. for the find.
Love seeing the planes, trains, boats, and motorcycles on here. 😎
Lavery, operating near or above the weight limits is a dangerous game all around. Every summer without fail I see trucks and vans, nose of vehicle pointed to the sky, loaded to the max, trailer in tow. The Edmund Fitzgerald obviously ran into a most nasty, wicked storm.
But she was loaded well up near the max. Reported 50 knot winds, 25-35 foot waves by other Captains. Hard to believe that kind of situation can be whipped up on a lake… Then snap a 700ft boat w 75ft beam in half. The song always reminded me of the danger of travel if you get caught during some dangerous weather.
https://youtu.be/FuzTkGyxkYI?si=e_JK8AK2y6g44amD
Hi Stan, oh you had to bring the Edmund Fitz into this. There was a documentary about that, and there were several probable causes. The ship was not overloaded. Some claim the hatch doors weren’t secured, but they interviewed the daughter of the guy in charge, and she said her dad loved that ship, and would never let that happen. Some say she ran around, but the most plausible scene was a “rouge wave” called “The 3 Sisters”, and they think the front and back were on a wave and the center unsupported. When they salvaged the bell, the lifeblood of a ship, mounted it on shore with a display and during the ceremony, a gust of wind came up, and the bell rang 29 times, the precise number of men lost,,,,
Enjoy your birthday weekend 🎂 Howard 🤝
Jeff, my friend, you aren’t alone in that canoe. Yesterday I turned 70, and in those 70 years, I did pretty much everything I wanted to do in life with very few regrets. There is one however, I never learned to fly. If I may interject here about “crashes”. Statistically, flying, per mile traveled, is the safest way. Estimates vary, but almost 93,000 flights take off every day, transporting almost 3 million people. Colorado is a “fly over” state, and sometimes a dozen contrails are the only clouds in our blue sky. Wise guy pilots upon landing say, “Thank you for flying_______, and be careful, you are leaving the safety of flying”. It’s true, you have a much greater chance of getting hurt ON THE WAY to the airport. I love flying, it’s the airports I can’t deal with, and will fly only if I have to. SO, crashes are very rare, sadly everyone is “dirty laundry”.
This is a bit overkill for a casual flyer, and I’m no expert, but I think a small jet is the way to go for any serious flying. I’ve flown a few times in small planes, and found the top wing is far preferred over a bottom wing. Bottom wing you can’t see anything. BTW, looks like a “sunny” day in Michigan,,,
In an unrelated issue, I want to send a heartfelt concern for the people in L.A. I know I blast them, but nothing funny about this. My daughter and SIL live in L.A., and it’s tense. This is something that has never happened, and despair is off the charts. Not sure what to do really, she says outpouring of help is happening, these people lost everything, overpriced classic cars included. Not a religious man but these people need more than prayers here. Do what you can, eh?
Happy birthday Howard! Many more Buddy! I join the 70 club soon myself. Best of luck to your Family and everyone else in the fire area. Take care, Mike.
Thanks Mike. If our rock stars are living into their 80s, we should live to be a freakin’ hundred. Too bad it doesn’t work that way. Take care, have a safe New Years.
I.always thought flying a plane would be great. I also enjoy the wide variety of items on Barn Find. I am now 71. I ride a Harley Davidson. Safer than flying. Not likely. But I see more. If I win the lottery I will buy a bunch of items on Barn Find. That $12.00 i won a little while back did not go far.
Until you are associated with a complex plane like this, it is hard to imagine how expensive they are to own. I can’t imagine this plane will be less than several thousand dollars a month own even if it is just sitting in a hangar. You MUST be current and proficient to fly these safely ( regardless of what youtube would indicate), and doing that will also add 10’s of thousands ( or hundreds if you need to hire a pilot) more to the yearly bill. FightSafety anyone? Flying is pretty basic, an ultralight doesn’t even require a pilots certicficate. But complex planes and helicopters very quickly eliminate posers.
Speed costs money, how fast do you want to spend?