De Havilland DH-84 vs Piper Seneca
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
De Havilland DH-84
No active listings right now.
Piper Seneca
- For sale now
- 111
- Median asking
- $227,990
- Range
- $89,465–$640,128
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 39
- Source marketplaces
- 11
- Model years available
- 1967–2023
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) | De Havilland DH-84 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 2 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | De Havilland DH-84 | Piper Seneca |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $206,646 | $89,465 – $640,128 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 6 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 180 kts (333 km/h) |
| Range | — | 750 nm (1,389 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 4,750 lbs (2,155 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 1,590 lbs (721 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 123.0 gal (466 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 22.0 GPH (83 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $40,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $25,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $280 |
| Engines | — | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDe Havilland DH-84
Piper Seneca
Fuel$121/hr
Variable$280/hr
Annual Fixed$25,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$81,000/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, De Havilland DH-84 or Piper Seneca?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Seneca cruises at 180 kts with 750 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
De Havilland DH-84: from $206,646.
Piper Seneca: from $60,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DH-84 and Piper Seneca?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Seneca: about $280/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?
Seneca: 6 seats / 1,590 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?
Seneca: 1,800-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