Beechcraft Bonanza A36 vs De Havilland DHC-2

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Beechcraft Bonanza A36
For sale now
166
Median asking
$349,000
Range
$212,300–$578,550
Model years available
1969–2005
De Havilland DHC-2
For sale now
8
Median asking
$452,500
Range
$347,000–$758,750
Model years available
1951–1965

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Beechcraft Bonanza A36De Havilland DHC-2
All events147
Serious10
Fatal35
Fatalities112
% Fatal24%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft Bonanza A36 De Havilland DHC-2
Beechcraft Bonanza A36
View 162 listings →
Median $349,000
De Havilland DHC-2
View 8 listings →
Median $452,500
Price Range $212,300 – $578,550 $347,000 – $758,750
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6 6
Horsepower 300 HP 450 HP
Cruise Speed 169 kts (313 km/h) 124 kts (230 km/h)
Range 720 nm (1,333 km) 455 nm (843 km)
Service Ceiling 18,500 ft (5,639 m) 18,000 ft (5,486 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,650 lbs (1,656 kg) 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg)
Useful Load 1,245 lbs (565 kg) 2,100 lbs (953 kg)
Fuel Capacity 74.0 gal (280 L) 95.0 gal (360 L)
Fuel Burn 14.5 GPH (55 L/h) 24.0 GPH (91 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs 1,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost $35,000 $50,000
Annual Fixed $22,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $195 $250
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft Bonanza A36

Fuel$80/hr
Variable$195/hr
Annual Fixed$22,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $61,000/yr

De Havilland DHC-2

Fuel$132/hr
Variable$250/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $85,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft Bonanza A36 or De Havilland DHC-2?

Pick the Bonanza A36 if…

  • Budget matters — from $212,300 vs $347,000, you save ~$134,700.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$195/hr vs $250/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 169 kts vs 124 kts.
  • Longer range — 720 nm vs 455 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1968 vs 1948.
  • More inventory — 162 listings vs 8.

Pick the DHC-2 if…

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Beechcraft Bonanza A36 or De Havilland DHC-2?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Bonanza A36 cruises at 169 kts with 720 nm range. The DHC-2 cruises at 124 kts with 455 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza A36: from $299,000. De Havilland DHC-2: from $495,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft Bonanza A36 and De Havilland DHC-2?
Bonanza A36 engine: Continental IO-550B (300 hp). DHC-2 engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp). Cruise: 169 vs 124 kts. Range: 720 vs 455 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Bonanza A36: about $195/hr variable cost. DHC-2: about $250/hr variable cost. Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Bonanza A36: 6 seats / 1,245 lb useful load. DHC-2: 6 seats / 2,100 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Bonanza A36: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$35,000. DHC-2: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000. Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data