Cessna 421C vs Cessna 402
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 421C
- For sale now
- 63
- Median asking
- $465,000
- Range
- $190,200–$695,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 27
- Source marketplaces
- 9
- Model years available
- 1974–1984
Cessna 402
No active listings right now.
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Cessna 421C | Cessna 402 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 136 | 325 |
| Serious | 7 | 23 |
| Fatal | 55 | 78 |
| Fatalities | 157 | 230 |
| % Fatal | 40% | 24% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 421C | Cessna 402 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $190,200 – $695,000 | $150,000 – $175,290 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 9 |
| Horsepower | 375 HP | 300 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 200 kts (370 km/h) |
| Range | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) |
| Max Gross Weight | 7,450 lbs (3,379 kg) | 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 35.0 GPH (132 L/h) | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $400 | $380 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston | 2 x Reciprocating |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 421C
Fuel$192/hr
Variable$400/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$115,000/yr
Cessna 402
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$380/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$111,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 421C or Cessna 402?
Pick the 421C if…
- Faster cruise — 230 kts vs 200 kts.
- Longer range — 1385 nm vs 1200 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1976 vs 1971.
- More inventory — 61 listings vs 4.
Pick the 402 if…
- Budget matters — from $150,000 vs $190,200, you save ~$40,200.
- Lower operating cost — ~$380/hr vs $400/hr.
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 421C or Cessna 402?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 421C cruises at 230 kts with 1,385 nm range.
The 402 cruises at 200 kts with 1,200 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 421C: from $275,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 421C and Cessna 402?
402 engine: Continental TSIO-520-VB (300 hp).
Seats: 8 vs 9.
Cruise: 230 vs 200 kts.
Range: 1385 vs 1200 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
421C: about $400/hr variable cost.
402: about $380/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
421C: 8 seats / 2,450 lb useful load.
402: 9 seats / 2,200 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
421C: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000.
402: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data