Cessna 421 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.
52 used Cessna 421 aircraft for sale 1970s · 8-seat · $100K – $650K · updated 56 min ago
About the Cessna 421
The Cessna 421 Golden Eagle is Cessna's top piston twin — a pressurised, cabin-class six-to-eight seater powered by two geared, turbocharged Continental GTSIO-520 engines. It offers near-turboprop cabin comfort and high-altitude capability at piston purchase prices, making it a popular choice for owner-flown business travel. It comes in three sub-families: the original 421, the improved 421B, and the definitive 421C with a wet (bladderless) wing and refined systems. See the live price range and median above for the Cessna 421 and Golden Eagle listings currently on the market.
Cessna 421 Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 421 is a 8-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 230 kt (426 km/h), a range of 1,385 nm (2,565 km), and a useful load of 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg).
52 Cessna 421 For Sale
Browse all 52 listings →There are currently 52 used Cessna 421 for sale, ranging from $100,000 to $650,000, with a median asking price of $349,000.
Cessna 421 Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 421B | 1968–1975 | 8 | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | $129K – $375K | A capable mid-production Golden Eagle — a pressurised cabin-class piston twin offering near-turboprop comfort at a more affordable point in the 421 range. | 15 |
| 421C | 1976–1985 | 8 | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | $100K – $749K | The definitive, most-refined Golden Eagle — the cabin-class pressurised piston twin to buy if you want the best-developed 421. | 69 |
Compare Cessna 421
See how the Cessna 421 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
⏲ Compare Cessna 421 generations →Cessna 421 Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 421 cost? Used 421 prices: $100K – $650K, average $346K (median $349K), across 45 priced of 52 active listings.
Based on 48 priced listings.
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.
Buying a Used Cessna 421
Every Cessna 421 faces a mandatory 1,600-hour overhaul, so the single biggest factor in used price is how much time remains before that overhaul is due — a fresh-overhaul airframe can be worth a large share of the $50,000 overhaul cost more than one approaching its limit.
What to check before buying
- Time to overhaul — hours and years remaining to the 1,600-hour limit; this dominates resale value more than total time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records; missing logs cut value and complicate financing.
- Damage history — any prior accident, hard landing or blade strike; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a glass panel vs steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 421
What is the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle?
What is the difference between the 421, 421B and 421C?
How much does a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle cost?
What are the Cessna 421 specifications?
What engines does the Cessna 421 use?
How many seats does a Cessna 421 have?
What is the difference between the Cessna 414 and 421?
Is the Cessna 421 still in production?
Cessna 421 Inventory by State
| Florida | 13 |
| Texas | 12 |
| California | 11 |
| Oklahoma | 4 |
| Ohio | 3 |
| North Carolina | 3 |
| Illinois | 2 |
| North Dakota | 2 |
| Montana | 2 |
| Kentucky | 2 |
Cessna 421 by Price
| Under $200k | 9 |
| Under $300k | 20 |
| Under $500k | 54 |
Cessna 421 Safety Record
Across all 421 variants, 326 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2024. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.
Most Recent Events
| Date | Location | Severity | Probable Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 31, 2024 | Fairview, OR | Fatal (2) | — |
| Jul 18, 2024 | Tofino, | Fatal (3) | — |
| Jun 17, 2024 | Steamboat Springs, CO | Fatal (2) | The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent a… |
| Feb 21, 2024 | Tapachula, | Incident | — |
| Jan 08, 2024 | Carson City, NV | Incident | Airport personnel’s failure to properly prioritize their response actions, including updating the airport’s automated we… |
NTSB records 1982–2024. Includes all Cessna 421 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.