Cessna 402 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 Cessna 400-series utility/commuter twins are the workhorses of the line — the 402 (1967-1985, twin TSIO-520, 6-10 seats, commuter staple), the 404 Titan (1976-1982, geared engines, larger cabin), and the 411 (1962-1968, the original 400-series). Used heavily for commuter and freight operations. Cruise around 200-220 knots.

Cessna 402 aircraft for sale

2 used Cessna 402 aircraft for sale 1970s · 9-seat · Used median asking $175,290 · updated 2 days ago

Cessna 402 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 402 is a 9-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 200 kt (370 km/h), a range of 1,200 nm (2,222 km), and a useful load of 2,200 lbs (998 kg).

Performance
Cruise200 kt (370 km/h)
Max Speed212 kt (393 km/h)
Range1,200 nm (2,222 km)
Service Ceiling26,800 ft (8,169 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL TSIO-520-VB
Horsepower300 HP
Fuel Capacity102.0 gal (386 L)
Fuel Burn30.0 GPH (114 L/h)
TBO1,400–1,600 hrs
ICAO TypeC402
Weights & Seats
Seats9–10
Max Gross Weight6,300 lbs (2,858 kg)
Useful Load2,200 lbs (998 kg)
Production1971–1984

Cessna 402 for Sale

Cessna 402 asking prices range from $175,290 to $175,290, with a median of $175,290.

1973 Cessna 402B

1973 Cessna 402B for sale
$175,290
For Sale
Total Time 11,113
Reg# SP-FTD Poland
Location Jasionka, Podkarpackie, Poland
Via MGGP Aero
Multiple sources

1978 Cessna 402B

1978 Cessna 402B for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 7,257
Reg# ZS-MGY South Africa
Location South Africa
Via Agnes Phillips
Listed 2mo ago

Cessna 402 Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
402B 1971–1977 10 200 kts (370 km/h) 1,200 nm (2,222 km) 2,200 lbs (998 kg) — A commuter and utility piston twin — for an operator who wants short-haul passenger or cargo capacity at lower cost than a turboprop. 2

Compare Cessna 402

See how the Cessna 402 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Cessna 402 vs Cessna 414 Cessna 402 vs Cessna 421 Cessna 402 vs Piper Chieftain Cessna 402 vs Piper Navajo

Cessna 402 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 402 cost? Used 402 prices: from $175K, across 1 priced of 2 active listings.

Cessna 402 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 402 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (30.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$18,600/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$35,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$380/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,600 hrs)$40,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 402's twin turbocharged Continental engines burn around 30 gph combined at cruise - significant fuel cost for personal use, appropriate for commercial operations where payload revenue offsets it. Two overhauls, two magneto sets, and retractable gear compose the maintenance budget, and annual inspection labour is high relative to single-engine aircraft. Commercial operators manage 402 costs through revenue; private owners should model per-hour cost carefully against mission frequency before purchase.

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

Buying a Used Cessna 402

Buying a Cessna 402 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 402 is a nine-seat twin-engine piston aircraft built for utility transport - two turbocharged Continental TSIO-520 engines (about 300 hp each), with roughly 200 knots cruise, 1,200 nm range, and around 2,200 lbs useful load. It is Cessna's workhorse light commuter twin, used for air-taxi, cargo, skydiving, charter, and island-hopping - a utilitarian aircraft built for commercial operations rather than executive transport.

402 as a commercial platform. Its nine-seat capacity and 2,200 lb useful load make it the smallest Cessna twin suited to regular commercial passenger operations, and its range and cruise enable useful stage lengths. Many 402s carry extensive commercial hours - examine maintenance history carefully for high-cycle components and corrosion from coastal operations. Variants run from the early 402 through the 402B and 402C.

402 versus 404 Titan. The 404 Titan is the larger, higher-powered Cessna twin above the 402. The 402's smaller cabin and lower operating cost suit smaller payloads; the 404 suits larger cargo or passenger missions. The 402's much larger fleet gives it better parts and maintenance support.

Operating requirements. The 402 requires a multi-engine rating, and commercial operations require appropriate certification. Two turbocharged engines need independent maintenance programs and overhaul planning.

Buy it if you operate a commercial or utility mission needing nine-seat twin capability - air-taxi, charter, cargo, or skydiving - and the 402's payload and range fit the route structure. Personal ownership is unusual; the 402 earns its cost in commercial service.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 402

About the Cessna 402
The Cessna 402 (Businessliner / Utililiner) is an unpressurized twin-engine piston aircraft produced 1967–1985, using two turbocharged Continental TSIO-520 engines (300 hp each). It seats up to ten in commuter configuration and cruises approximately 200–210 kt. The 402 was widely used as a regional commuter aircraft, island-hopper, and cargo feeder — the workhorse of the small-airline and air-taxi industry in the 1970s and 1980s. Hundreds remain in active service globally, particularly in island and remote-community operations.
Who is the Cessna 402 for?
Charter and air-taxi operators needing reliable eight-to-ten-seat twin-engine capacity without the cost of pressurization. Island-hopping, cargo-feeder, and regional air-service operators value the 402's parts-support depth (many units in service) and 300-hp-per-side capability. It also suits owner-pilots who want true commuter-class passenger capacity in a piston aircraft, at lower cost than the pressurized 414 or 421.
What are common Cessna 402 problems to look for?
Continental TSIO-520 health on both sides — turbocharger condition, wastegate function, and TBO status, plus the two-engine overhaul commitment. Structural inspection — the 402 airframe has accumulated significant cycles in many examples owing to high-utilization charter histories. Cargo-floor condition (freight use accelerates wear). For tropical or coastal-operated examples: corrosion. A pre-buy must cover both engines thoroughly; TSIO-520 overhaul scheduling is the primary operating-cost variable.
402 vs 414 — unpressurized vs pressurized
Both use turbocharged TSIO-520 engines, but the 414 adds a pressurized cabin and higher cruise (~210–225 kt vs ~200 kt) at higher acquisition and operating cost. Choose the 402 if operations are at lower altitudes where pressurization is not required and lower operating cost is the priority. Choose the 414 when cabin-pressure comfort on longer missions and higher cruise altitude matter to the operation.
How much does the 402 cost to operate?
Two turbocharged TSIO-520 engines (each requiring overhaul on schedule), twin-engine insurance, and Part 91/135 maintenance compliance for commercial operators. Without pressurization, the 402 avoids the pressurization-system maintenance of the 414/421 — its primary operating-cost advantage within the turbocharged-twin family. For current prices, see the listings above.
Is the Cessna 402 still in active service?
Yes — extensively. The 402 remains a workhorse in island commuter, air-taxi, and cargo operations worldwide, particularly in the Caribbean, Pacific Islands, and remote communities. Parts supply and TSIO-520 overhaul support are robust. No new production since 1985, but active fleets are maintained by commercial operators.

Cessna 402 Inventory by Country

United States2
Poland1
South Africa1

Cessna 402 by Price

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

Recently Sold Cessna 402

1975 402B$173,652
1976 402B$255,000

Cessna 402 Safety Record

Across all 402 variants, 325 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.

325

Total Events

193

Incidents

23

Serious

78

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Jun 18, 2025 Salvador, OF Incident —
Jan 22, 2025 Rosario, Incident —
Jan 08, 2025 Medellin, OF Fatal (10) —
Sep 17, 2024 Boston, MA Incident The failure of a solid hydraulic fluid line, which resulted in a loss of hydraulic fluid that prevented the landing gear…
Aug 23, 2024 Kariba, Incident —

NTSB records 1982–2025. Includes all Cessna 402 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 2 days ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data