Cessna 421C Aircraft in Georgia

Georgia's GA infrastructure centres on Atlanta (PDK, KFTY), Savannah (the Gulfstream home base) and South Georgia. Significant aviation industry including Gulfstream factory operations, Lockheed Martin and major MRO facilities. Year-round VFR weather supports active flying.

← Cessna 421 family

The Cessna 421C Golden Eagle is the flagship of Cessna's piston twins — a pressurized, cabin-class six-to-eight-seater powered by geared, turbocharged 375-hp Continental GTSIO-520 engines. It offers near-turboprop comfort — pressurization, ~230-kt cruise, airstair door — at piston-acquisition prices, which is exactly the buyer trap: the geared GTSIO engines and pressurization make it one of the most expensive piston twins to maintain. The buy decision is mission and budget honesty; superb cabin travel, but only if you fund the upkeep.

Cessna 421C aircraft for sale

· 8-seat · Used median asking $465,000 · updated recently

Cessna 421C Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna 421C 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).

Performance
Cruise230 kt (426 km/h)
Max Speed240–243 kt (444–450 km/h)
Range1,385 nm (2,565 km)
Service Ceiling30,200 ft (9,205 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-N
Horsepower375 HP
Fuel Capacity130.0–213.0 gal (492–806 L)
Fuel Burn34.0–35.0 GPH (129–132 L/h)
TBO1,600 hrs
ICAO TypeC421
Weights & Seats
Seats8
Max Gross Weight7,450 lbs (3,379 kg)
Useful Load2,450 lbs (1,111 kg)
Production1976–1985

Cessna 421C for Sale

Cessna 421C asking prices range from $100,000 to $735,000, with a median of $465,000 (market reference $480,000).

No Cessna 421C currently listed for sale.

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

Cessna 421C Variants

Variant Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Price range Best for Listings for sale
421 1968–1985 8 230 kts (426 km/h) 1,385 nm (2,565 km) 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) $219K – $615K Choose the 421C for the best-handling, most refined Golden Eagle with its wet-wing fuel system and the highest cruise speed — the model to buy if budget allows. Choose the 421B for a lengthened cabin at a lower entry price. The original 421 is the cheapest entry into pressurized cabin-class twin ownership. 7
421B 1968–1975 8 230 kts (426 km/h) 1,385 nm (2,565 km) 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) $179K – $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. 10

Compare Cessna 421C

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Cessna 421C Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna 421C cost? Used 421C prices: $100K – $735K, average $465K (median $465K); market reference $480K, across 55 priced of 0 active listings.

Cessna 421C 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 421C Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (35.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$21,700/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$35,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$400/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 1,600 hrs)$50,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

The 421C's costs are flagship-level: the geared, turbocharged GTSIO-520 engines are among the most expensive piston powerplants to maintain, and pressurization adds its own upkeep. That is the buyer trap — near-turboprop comfort at piston prices, but only if you fund the geared-engine and pressurization maintenance. Engine program status and recent inspections decide the real cost.

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

Buying a Used Cessna 421C

Buying a Cessna 421C comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna 421C is the final, most-developed Golden Eagle - Cessna's cabin-class pressurized piston twin (1976-1985), powered by two 375-hp geared, turbocharged Continental GTSIO-520-N engines. It carries up to eight occupants in a quiet, pressurized club cabin and cruises around 230 knots, offering near-turboprop comfort without turboprop acquisition cost. The trade-off defines ownership: the geared GTSIO engines are among the most demanding and expensive piston powerplants to maintain, so engine-program status and pressurization health matter more than a low asking price. Compared with the smaller 340A it is far roomier; compared with a Beechcraft King Air it stays piston but avoids turbine acquisition cost.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna 421C

What are common Cessna 421C Golden Eagle problems to look for?
The geared GTSIO-520 engines are the primary concern — they are finicky, rarely make it to TBO, and cost about 100,000 dollars each to overhaul. Turbochargers are sensitive to shock cooling. The exhaust system is known to be weak. Water in hydraulic fluid can cause landing gear issues. The aircraft requires constant, knowledgeable maintenance attention.
How much does a Cessna 421C cost per hour to fly?
Variable costs run about 400 dollars per hour at 35 GPH fuel burn on two engines. Annual fixed costs are approximately 35,000 dollars. Engine overhauls at 100,000 dollars each plus annual inspections of 20,000-40,000 dollars make the 421C one of the most expensive piston twins to maintain. All-in cost is 600-800 dollars per hour at 150-200 hours annually.
Cessna 421C vs Cessna 340A — which pressurized twin should I buy?
The 421C has a larger 8-seat cabin and more payload, but its geared GTSIO-520 engines cost nearly twice as much to overhaul and have more recurring issues than the 340As direct-drive TSIO-520s. The 340A is the more economical choice for 4-6 passengers. If you need 8 seats and maximum cabin space, the 421C delivers — but budget for substantially higher maintenance.
Is the Cessna 421C a good step-up from a Baron or Cessna 310?
The 421C adds pressurization and a larger cabin, which is a major upgrade for IFR flying comfort. However, it burns 35 GPH vs about 28 GPH for a Baron, and the geared engines demand more maintenance expertise. Many owners find the jump in operating costs surprising. Consider whether pressurization is essential for your missions before committing.

Cessna 421C Inventory by Country

United States61
Germany3
Canada1
Czechia1
Spain1

Cessna 421C Inventory by State

Florida15
Texas14
California11
Illinois4
Oklahoma4
North Carolina3
Ohio3
Georgia2
Michigan2
Montana2

Cessna 421C by Price

Under $200k9
Under $300k22
Under $500k57

Recently Sold Cessna 421C

1977 421C$314,000
1977 421C$339,000

Cessna 421C Safety Record

Across all 421C variants, 136 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.

136

Total Events

61

Incidents

7

Serious

55

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Aug 31, 2024 Fairview, OR Fatal (2) —
Jul 18, 2024 Tofino, Fatal (3) —
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…
Dec 08, 2023 McGregor, TX Incident The failure of the spring pin in the right propeller governor, which precluded the pilot from controlling the propeller …

NTSB records 1982–2024. Includes all Cessna 421C 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