Cessna 170B Aircraft in South Carolina

← Cessna 170 family

The Cessna 170B is the improved variant of the Cessna 170, a four-seat, high-wing, tailwheel aircraft that preceded the ubiquitous 172 Skyhawk. Featuring a Continental C-145 engine and large flaps, the 170B burns approximately 8 gallons per hour and provides classic taildragger flying with practical four-seat utility. The B model introduced the larger rear window and improved flap design over the original 170. Its rugged construction, conventional gear, and high-wing visibility make it equally capable on paved runways, grass strips, and backcountry fields.

The Cessna 170B appeals to tailwheel enthusiasts, vintage aircraft lovers, and backcountry pilots who want an affordable, practical, four-seat airplane with genuine classic character. The type holds its value well due to strong demand from the tailwheel community and limited supply. The International Cessna 170 Association provides excellent resources, annual gatherings, and a welcoming community for owners. Well-maintained examples are prized possessions in the vintage aircraft world.

Cessna 170B aircraft for sale

· 4-seat · Used median asking $110,000 · updated recently

Cessna 170B Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 170B is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 105 kt (194 km/h), a range of 500 nm (926 km), and a useful load of 900 lbs (408 kg).

Performance
Cruise105 kt (194 km/h)
Max Speed120–139 kt (222–257 km/h)
Range500 nm (926 km)
Service Ceiling15,000 ft (4,572 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL C145-3
Horsepower145 HP
Fuel Capacity37.0 gal (140 L)
Fuel Burn8.0–9.0 GPH (30–34 L/h)
TBO1,800–2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC170
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Max Gross Weight2,200 lbs (998 kg)
Useful Load900 lbs (408 kg)
Production1952–1956

Cessna 170B for Sale

Cessna 170B asking prices range from $89,900 to $206,700, with a median of $110,000 (market reference $95,000).

No Cessna 170B currently listed for sale.

This page updates automatically the moment one is listed — check back soon, or browse the Cessna range.

Cessna 170B Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
170 1948–1956 4 105 kts (194 km/h) 500 nm (926 km) 900 lbs (408 kg) $70K – $195K A classic four-seat taildragger — the tailwheel forerunner of the 172, for a buyer wanting vintage character and backcountry capability. 9

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Cessna 170B Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 170B cost? Used 170B prices: $89K – $206K, average $110K (median $110K); market reference $95K, across 9 priced of 0 active listings.

Cessna 170B 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.

Cessna 170B Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (8.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$4,960/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$14,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$100/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,800 hrs)$25,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 170B's Continental O-300 is a smooth six-cylinder but a vintage engine - overhaul cost and time-since-overhaul are the leading budget items, with parts support good but not cheap. Fuel burn runs around 8-9 gph. The dominant ownership variable on a 70-year-old airframe is condition: corrosion inspection (spar carry-through, floorboards), control-surface and skin condition, and the quality of any prior restoration matter far more than the low acquisition price. A well-restored, documented 170B costs more up front and less over time than a tired example.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna 170B

Buying a Cessna 170B comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 170B (1952-1956) is a classic four-seat tailwheel single - powered by the 145-hp Continental C-145/O-300 six-cylinder engine, cruising around 105 knots. It is the direct tailwheel predecessor of the tricycle-gear 172 and a sought-after vintage cross-country and backcountry aircraft with a devoted following.

Tailwheel character. The 170B is a conventional-gear aircraft; it demands tailwheel proficiency and rewards it with genuine short-field and rough-strip capability. The B model added larger flaps and a revised wing that improved short-field performance over the earlier 170 and 170A - the reason the 170B is the most sought-after variant of the line.

Continental O-300. The six-cylinder O-300 is smooth and well-proven but a vintage engine: parts and cylinder support are good, but overhaul cost and time-since-overhaul are central pre-buy items. Fuel burn runs around 8-9 gph.

Vintage diligence. As a 70-year-old airframe, corrosion inspection (spar carry-through, floorboards), control-surface and skin condition, and the originality of modifications are the defining pre-buy items. A well-restored 170B with documented history is a very different aircraft from a tired project.

Buy it if you want a classic four-seat tailwheel Cessna with real backcountry and vintage appeal - and you either have tailwheel time or are committed to earning the endorsement.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 170B

About the Cessna 170B
The Cessna 170B was produced approximately 1952–1956, powered by the Continental O-300-A (145 hp). The 170B introduced all-metal wing construction with the Cessna flap system, replacing the fabric-covered wings of the 170 and 170A — the defining improvement that makes the 170B the most desirable 170 variant. It is a four-seat taildragger and the direct predecessor of the nosewheel Cessna 172.
Why does the all-metal wing matter?
Fabric-covered wings require periodic inspection, fabric life limits, and eventual recovering — a specialised, labour-intensive process. All-metal construction eliminates fabric-specific maintenance, is more durable across temperature and moisture ranges, and simplifies annual inspection. The 170B's metal wing is the primary reason most buyers prefer it over the 170 and 170A.
What to inspect on a used 170B?
Continental O-300-A compression, magnetos, and carburetor. Metal-wing spar and skin corrosion. The tailwheel assembly and spring — the conventional-gear wear point. Seat rail AD compliance. Control cable and surface condition. Full logbook review. A pre-buy by a shop experienced with vintage Cessna taildraggers is recommended.
170B vs 172 — taildragger or nosewheel?
The 172 (from 1956) replaced the 170 with a nosewheel and became far more popular — easier ground handling, a lower landing-accident rate, and vastly more numerous in the used market. The 170B is for buyers who specifically want a four-seat taildragger. For practical cross-country utility the 172 is simpler and better supported; the 170B rewards the pilot who wants the conventional-gear character.
Is the 170B well-supported?
The Continental O-300 has a narrower overhaul network than the Lycoming O-320/O-360 family that followed, but the 170B community is active and the type is well understood among vintage Cessna specialists. Parts and overhaul for the O-300 are available through the established Continental network.

Cessna 170B Inventory by Country

United States11
Canada1

Cessna 170B Inventory by State

California3
Oregon2
South Carolina2

Cessna 170B by Price

Under $100k7
Under $200k21
Under $300k22
Under $500k23

Recently Sold Cessna 170B

1953 170B$145,000
1954 170B$89,000

Cessna 170B Safety Record

Across all 170B variants, 405 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2025. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

405

Total Events

311

Incidents

26

Serious

29

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Aug 25, 2025 Knoxville, TN Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing roll in a crosswind, which resulted in a runway excur…
Aug 23, 2025 Livermore Falls, ME Incident —
Jul 20, 2025 Faith, SD Incident The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll with crosswind.
Jul 09, 2025 Homer, AK Incident The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a ground loop.
Jun 25, 2025 Denali Park, AK Incident The failure of the left main landing gear spring due to a fatigue fracture during landing on uneven terrain.

NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 170B variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

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 recently · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data