Cessna 402 vs Piper Navajo

The Cessna 402 and Piper Navajo are the two classic unpressurised cabin-class piston twins of commuter and cargo aviation — both ~9-seat workhorses with large cabins and strong utility heritage.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 402

No active listings right now.

Piper Navajo
For sale now
40
Median asking
$262,250
Range
$123,300–$552,867
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
10
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
1967–1984

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 402Piper Navajo
All events3251
Serious230
Fatal780
Fatalities2300
% Fatal24%0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 402 Piper Navajo
View 4 listings →
Median $162,645
Piper Navajo
View 38 listings →
Median $262,250
Price Range $150,000 – $175,290 $123,300 – $552,867
Category Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 9 8
Horsepower 300 HP
Cruise Speed 200 kts (370 km/h) 206 kts (382 km/h)
Range 1,200 nm (2,222 km) 1,065 nm (1,972 km)
Service Ceiling 24,000 ft (7,315 m)
Max Gross Weight 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg)
Useful Load 2,200 lbs (998 kg) 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg)
Fuel Capacity 182.0 gal (689 L)
Fuel Burn 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) 32.0 GPH (121 L/h)
TBO 1,600 hrs 1,800 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000 $42,000
Annual Fixed $35,000 $30,000
Hourly Variable $380 $350
Engines 2 x Reciprocating 2 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 402

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

Piper Navajo

Fuel$176/hr
Variable$350/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $100,000/yr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 402 or Piper Navajo?

Bottom line: Choose the 402 for the Cessna support network and easy large-door cargo loading. Choose the Navajo for its rugged utility reputation and slightly larger cabin — selection often comes down to support, parts and the specific airframe's condition.

Pick the 402 if…

  • More seats — 9 vs 8.
  • Longer range — 1200 nm vs 1065 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1971 vs 1967.

Pick the Navajo if…

  • Budget matters — from $123,300 vs $150,000, you save ~$26,700.
  • Lower operating cost — ~$350/hr vs $380/hr.
  • Faster cruise — 206 kts vs 200 kts.
  • More inventory — 38 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 Piper Navajo?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 402 cruises at 200 kts with 1,200 nm range. The Navajo cruises at 206 kts with 1,065 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 402 and Piper Navajo?
402 engine: Continental TSIO-520-VB (300 hp). Seats: 9 vs 8. Cruise: 200 vs 206 kts. Range: 1200 vs 1065 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
402: about $380/hr variable cost. Navajo: about $350/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. Navajo: 8 seats / 2,800 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. Navajo: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$42,000. 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