Cessna 421C Aircraft in Minnesota
1 used Cessna 421C aircraft for sale in Minnesota · 8-seat · from $749K · updated 23 hours ago
About the Cessna 421C
The Cessna 421 Golden Eagle is a pressurized, twin-engine piston aircraft that was the flagship of Cessna's piston twin lineup from 1968 to 1985. Powered by two Continental GTSIO-520-H/L engines (375 HP each, geared and turbocharged), the 421C (final variant) cruises at 230 KTAS at FL240 with cabin pressurization of 4.2 psi differential — true all-weather, high-altitude piston twin performance. The cabin seats six to eight passengers in club seating with a stand-up aisle, air conditioning, and flushing lavatory. Over 1,900 were built across all variants.
Key variants. The 421 (1968-1971) and 421A (1969-1971) were the originals. The 421B (1971-1975) improved the cabin and systems. The 421C Golden Eagle (1976-1985) is the most refined — bonded wet wing (no bladders), improved gear system, longer cabin, and more powerful GTSIO-520-L engines. The 421C is by far the most desirable variant.
Why the 421 still has a following. Nothing else delivers pressurized, twin-engine, jet-like capability at piston operating costs. The 421C cruises above most weather at FL240 with six passengers in a cabin comparable to a small business jet. For owners who need pressurization but cannot justify turboprop operating costs ($800-$1,200/hr), the 421 operates at $400-$600/hr all-in.
Buying advice. The GTSIO-520 engines are the 421's Achilles heel — they are the most complex piston engines ever produced (geared, turbocharged, fuel-injected) with a 1,600-hour TBO that is rarely reached without significant top-end work. Engine overhaul costs $70,000-$90,000 per side. Gearbox adapter plate cracking and propeller governor issues are known failure modes. Check for exhaust system cracks, turbocharger condition, and intercooler integrity. The pressurization system (boots, outflow valve, door seal) must be tested during pre-buy flight. Corrosion at the wing spar carry-through is a potential deal-breaker.
Market. Cessna 421B: $80,000-$180,000. 421C: $120,000-$300,000. Premium 421C with modern avionics and mid-time engines: $200,000-$400,000. A Cessna 421 for sale is a compelling alternative to a turboprop — but only for buyers prepared for the engine maintenance demands.
Cessna 421C Specifications
Model specThe 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).
1 Cessna 421C For Sale
There are currently 1 used Cessna 421C for sale, ranging from $749,000 to $749,000, with a median asking price of $749,000.
Compare Cessna 421C
See how the Cessna 421C stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
⏲ Compare Cessna 421 generations →Cessna 421C Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 421C cost? Used 421C prices: from $749K, across 1 priced of 1 active listings.
Based on 37 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 421C
Every Cessna 421C 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 421C
What are common Cessna 421C Golden Eagle problems to look for?
How much does a Cessna 421C cost per hour to fly?
Cessna 421C vs Cessna 340A — which pressurized twin should I buy?
Is the Cessna 421C a good step-up from a Baron or Cessna 310?
Cessna 421C 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 421C by Price
| Under $200k | 9 |
| Under $300k | 20 |
| Under $500k | 54 |
Cessna 421C by Decade
| 1980s | 1 |
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.
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.