Socata TB-20 Trinidad vs Beechcraft Bonanza

The TB-20 Trinidad and Beechcraft Bonanza are retractable singles — the Trinidad a comfortable wide-cabin tourer, the Bonanza the speed/quality benchmark.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Socata TB-20 Trinidad
For sale now
33
Median asking
$204,200
Range
$140,253–$328,350
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
12
Source marketplaces
7
Model years available
1984–2003
Beechcraft Bonanza
For sale now
5
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
2
Source marketplaces
3
Model years available
1947–1972

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)Socata TB-20 TrinidadBeechcraft Bonanza
All events4
Serious0
Fatal3
Fatalities4
% Fatal75%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Socata TB-20 Trinidad Beechcraft Bonanza
Socata TB-20 Trinidad
View 33 listings →
Median $204,200
Beechcraft Bonanza
View 1 listings →
Median $95,000
Price Range $140,253 – $328,350 $56,320 – $270,500
Category Single Engine Piston Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 5
Horsepower 250 HP
Cruise Speed 157 kts (291 km/h)
Range 887 nm (1,643 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Max Gross Weight 3,086 lbs (1,400 kg)
Useful Load 1,076 lbs (488 kg)
Fuel Capacity 86.0 gal (326 L)
Fuel Burn 15.0 GPH (57 L/h)
TBO 2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost $30,000
Annual Fixed $18,000
Hourly Variable $150
Engines 1 x Piston

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Socata TB-20 Trinidad

Fuel$82/hr
Variable$150/hr
Annual Fixed$18,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $48,000/yr

Beechcraft Bonanza

Which Should You Buy: Socata TB-20 Trinidad or Beechcraft Bonanza?

Bottom line: Choose the Bonanza for higher speed and resale; choose the Trinidad for a roomy cabin and lower acquisition cost. Bonanza = speed/resale; Trinidad = cabin/value. ================================================================ # Socata TB-10 Tobago — fixed-gear tourer ================================================================

Pick the TB-20 Trinidad if…

  • More inventory — 33 listings vs 1.

Pick the Bonanza if…

  • Budget matters — from $56,320 vs $140,253, you save ~$83,933.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Socata TB-20 Trinidad or Beechcraft Bonanza?
It depends on your mission and budget. The TB-20 Trinidad cruises at 157 kts with 887 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft Bonanza: from $95,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Socata TB-20 Trinidad and Beechcraft Bonanza?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
TB-20 Trinidad: about $150/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?
TB-20 Trinidad: 5 seats / 1,076 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?
TB-20 Trinidad: 2,000-hour TBO, overhaul ~$30,000. 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