Beechcraft Duchess Aircraft 1970s

Pre-1980 piston twins are largely 1960s-70s vintage workhorses — Cessna 310, original Baron 55/58, Piper Apache/Aztec/Twin Comanche. Engines are typically on second or third overhaul; avionics typically replaced; pressurised variants (rare in this era) need pressure-vessel inspection. These are demanding aircraft to own well; budget for both engines on potentially divergent overhaul cycles, mandate-upgrade investment if not already complete, and corrosion-prone-area inspection.

The Beechcraft Duchess (Model 76) is a four-seat twin trainer produced 1978-1983 — designed specifically for multi-engine training, with counter-rotating propellers that eliminate the critical-engine concept and make twin flying more forgiving. Twin Lycoming O-360 engines, cruise ~150 knots. Popular with flight schools for the multi-engine rating; the most affordable Beech twin on the used market.

Beechcraft Duchess aircraft for sale

2 used Beechcraft Duchess aircraft for sale 1970s · 4-seat · Reference price ~$180,000 ($110,000–$300,000) · updated 2 hours ago

Beechcraft Duchess Specifications

Model spec

The Beechcraft Duchess is a 4-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 140 kt (259 km/h), a range of 780 nm (1,445 km), and a useful load of 1,000 lbs (454 kg).

Performance
Cruise140 kt (259 km/h)
Range780 nm (1,445 km)
Service Ceiling19,700 ft (6,005 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineLycoming O-360
Horsepower180 HP
Fuel Burn18.0 GPH (68 L/h)
TBO2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeBE76
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight3,900 lbs (1,769 kg)
Useful Load1,000 lbs (454 kg)
Production1974–1984

Beechcraft Duchess for Sale

Beechcraft Duchess asking prices range from $150,000 to $165,000, with a median of $157,500 (market reference $180,000).

1979 Beechcraft Duchess

1979 Beechcraft Duchess for sale
$150,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,394
Location Tegucigalpa, Francisco Morazan, HN
Via OMERSA
Multiple sources

1976 Beechcraft Duchess

1976 Beechcraft Duchess for sale
$165,000
For Sale
Total Time 7,810
Reg# N137AS US
Location Sarasota, FL
Via Randall Monson
Listed 2mo ago

Compare Beechcraft Duchess

See how the Beechcraft Duchess stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Beechcraft Duchess vs Piper Seminole

Beechcraft Duchess Price & Cost

How much does a Beechcraft Duchess cost? Used Duchess prices: $150K – $165K, average $157K (median $157K); market reference $180K, across 2 priced of 2 active listings.

Beechcraft Duchess Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Beechcraft Duchess Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (18.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$11,160/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.
Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Beechcraft Duchess

Buying a Beechcraft Duchess comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

Both O-360 engines' time; counter-rotating governor/prop condition; school history (high cycles); logbooks; mandate compliance. vs Baron: Duchess is a trainer (no turbo, smaller); Baron is the cross-country twin. FAQ: Cost. Duchess vs Seminole (both twin trainers, counter-rotating). Multi-engine training. Range.

Frequently Asked Questions — Beechcraft Duchess

What is the Beechcraft Duchess?
The Duchess is the Beechcraft Model 76, a four-seat light twin built from 1978 to 1983 primarily as a multi-engine trainer. Its T-tail and counter-rotating engines make it forgiving for students learning twin-engine flying.
Why does the Duchess have counter-rotating engines?
The two Lycoming engines turn in opposite directions, which eliminates the critical engine and makes engine-out handling more symmetrical and easier — ideal for multi-engine training.
How much does a Beechcraft Duchess cost?
The Duchess is one of the more affordable light twins. Prices vary with engine times, avionics and overall condition. See the live price range and median above.
What are the Beechcraft Duchess specifications?
The Duchess is a four-seat light twin with a T-tail, powered by two counter-rotating Lycoming O-360 engines. It is designed for efficient, forgiving multi-engine training rather than high performance.
What is the Duchess cruise speed?
The Duchess cruises at modest light-twin speeds, generally around 140 to 150 knots depending on weight and altitude — performance suited to training rather than fast cross-country travel.
How many seats does the Beechcraft Duchess have?
Four, in a simple cabin sized for a training aircraft.
Is the Beechcraft Duchess a good twin trainer?
Yes — the Duchess is widely valued as a docile, economical multi-engine trainer thanks to its counter-rotating engines and forgiving handling, though it is not a high-performance traveller. Condition and engine times drive value.

Beechcraft Duchess Inventory by Country

Honduras1
United States1

Beechcraft Duchess by Price

Under $200k2
Under $300k2
Under $500k2

Recently Sold Beechcraft Duchess

1979 Duchess$110,000

Beechcraft Duchess Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Beechcraft Duchess. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 2 hours ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data