Cessna 402B vs Piper Chieftain
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 402B
- For sale now
- 3
- Source marketplaces
- 3
- Model years available
- 1973–1978
Piper Chieftain
- For sale now
- 29
- Median asking
- $234,826
- Range
- $119,925–$584,423
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 11
- Source marketplaces
- 6
- Model years available
- 1973–1984
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 402B | Piper Chieftain |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 131 | — |
| Serious | 8 | — |
| Fatal | 38 | — |
| Fatalities | 107 | — |
| % Fatal | 29% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 402B | Piper Chieftain |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $151,264 – $174,026 | $119,925 – $584,423 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 10 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 200 kts (370 km/h) | 205 kts (380 km/h) |
| Range | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) | 950 nm (1,759 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) | 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | — |
| TBO | 1,400 hrs | — |
| Engines | 2 x Reciprocating | — |
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 402B or Piper Chieftain?
Pick the 402B if…
- Longer range — 1200 nm vs 950 nm.
Pick the Chieftain if…
- Budget matters — from $119,925 vs $151,264, you save ~$31,339.
- Faster cruise — 205 kts vs 200 kts.
- More inventory — 30 listings vs 3.
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 402B or Piper Chieftain?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 402B cruises at 200 kts with 1,200 nm range.
The Chieftain cruises at 205 kts with 950 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 402B: from $150,000.
Piper Chieftain: from $375,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 402B and Piper Chieftain?
402B engine: Continental TSIO-520-VB (300 hp).
Cruise: 200 vs 205 kts.
Range: 1200 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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?
402B: 10 seats / 2,200 lb useful load.
Chieftain: 10 seats.
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?
402B: 1,400-hour TBO.
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