De Havilland DHC-2 vs De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
De Havilland DHC-2
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $485,000
- Range
- $349,000–$1,370,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1951–1967
De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
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) | De Havilland DHC-2 | De Havilland DHC-3 Otter |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 147 | — |
| Serious | 10 | — |
| Fatal | 35 | — |
| Fatalities | 112 | — |
| % Fatal | 24% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | De Havilland DHC-2 | De Havilland DHC-3 Otter |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $349,000 – $1,370,000 | — |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | — |
| Horsepower | 450 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 km/h) | 120 kts (222 km/h) |
| Range | 395 nm (732 km) | 830 nm (1,537 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 95.0 gal (360 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 25.0 GPH (95 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $250 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDe Havilland DHC-2
Fuel$138/hr
Variable$250/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$85,000/yr
De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Which Should You Buy: De Havilland DHC-2 or De Havilland DHC-3 Otter?
Pick the DHC-2 if…
Pick the DHC-3 Otter if…
- Faster cruise — 120 kts vs 109 kts.
- Longer range — 830 nm vs 395 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, De Havilland DHC-2 or De Havilland DHC-3 Otter?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DHC-2 cruises at 109 kts with 395 nm range.
The DHC-3 Otter cruises at 120 kts with 830 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
De Havilland DHC-2: from $430,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DHC-2 and De Havilland DHC-3 Otter?
DHC-2 engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp).
Cruise: 109 vs 120 kts.
Range: 395 vs 830 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DHC-2: about $250/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?
DHC-2: 6 seats.
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?
DHC-2: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000.
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