Cessna 402 vs Cessna 421

The Cessna 402 (unpressurised commuter/cargo twin) and 421 Golden Eagle (pressurised top-of-line cabin twin) are different missions — the 402 is the utility workhorse; the 421 is the refined pressurised executive twin.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Cessna 402

No active listings right now.

Cessna 421
For sale now
85
Median asking
$410,912
Range
$138,945–$683,750
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
38
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
1968–1984

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)Cessna 402Cessna 421
All events325326
Serious2323
Fatal78121
Fatalities230342
% Fatal24%37%
View full Cessna 402 NTSB record →View full Cessna 421 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 402 Cessna 421
View 4 listings →
Median $162,645
 Cessna 421
View 82 listings →
Median $410,912
Price Range $150,000 – $175,290 $138,945 – $683,750
Category — Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 9 8
Horsepower 300 HP —
Cruise Speed 200 kts (370 km/h) 230 kts (426 km/h)
Range 1,200 nm (2,222 km) 1,385 nm (2,565 km)
Service Ceiling — 30,200 ft (9,205 m)
Max Gross Weight 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg)
Useful Load 2,200 lbs (998 kg) 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 213.0 gal (806 L)
Fuel Burn 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) 35.0 GPH (132 L/h)
TBO 1,600 hrs 1,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000 $50,000
Annual Fixed $35,000 $35,000
Hourly Variable $380 $400
Engines 2 x Reciprocating 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 402

Fuel$165/hr
Variable$380/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $111,000/yr

Cessna 421

Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $115,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 402 or Cessna 421?

Bottom line: Choose the 402 for utility/cargo economics without pressurisation. Step up to the 421 for a pressurised cabin and the most refined piston-twin comfort Cessna built — at higher operating cost.

Pick the 402 if…

  • Lower operating cost — ~$380/hr vs $400/hr.
  • More seats — 9 vs 8.
  • Newer design — production from 1971 vs 1968.

Pick the 421 if…

  • Budget matters — from $138,945 vs $150,000, you save ~$11,055.
  • Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 200 kts.
  • Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1200 nm.
  • More inventory — 82 listings vs 4.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Cessna 402 or Cessna 421?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 402 cruises at 200 kts with 1,200 nm range. The 421 cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421: from $319,999. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 402 and Cessna 421?
402 engine: Continental TSIO-520-VB (300 hp). 421 engine: Continental GTSIO-520-D. Seats: 9 vs 8. Cruise: 200 vs 230 kts. Range: 1200 vs 1385 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
402: about $380/hr variable cost. 421: about $400/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?
402: 9 seats / 2,200 lb useful load. 421: 8 seats / 2,450 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?
402: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000. 421: 1,600-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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data