Piper Navajo vs Beechcraft King Air 90

The Piper Navajo (PA-31, six-to-nine-seat piston twin, ~220 kt) and King Air 90 (six-to-eight- seat turboprop twin, ~250 kt) are different propulsion classes — piston vs turboprop.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Piper Navajo
For sale now
40
Median asking
$262,250
Range
$123,300–$552,867
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
10
Source marketplaces
12
Model years available
1967–1984
Beechcraft King Air 90
For sale now
116
Median asking
$1,172,500
Range
$413,000–$3,117,025
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
50
Source marketplaces
15
Model years available
1965–2014

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)Piper NavajoBeechcraft King Air 90
All events1
Serious0
Fatal0
Fatalities0
% Fatal0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Navajo Beechcraft King Air 90
Piper Navajo
View 38 listings →
Median $262,250
Beechcraft King Air 90
View 108 listings →
Median $1,172,500
Price Range $123,300 – $552,867 $413,000 – $3,117,025
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 8 10
Cruise Speed 206 kts (382 km/h) 215 kts (398 km/h)
Range 1,065 nm (1,972 km) 1,060 nm (1,963 km)
Service Ceiling 24,000 ft (7,315 m)
Max Gross Weight 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg)
Useful Load 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg)
Fuel Capacity 182.0 gal (689 L)
Fuel Burn 32.0 GPH (121 L/h)
TBO 1,800 hrs 3,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost $42,000
Annual Fixed $30,000
Hourly Variable $350
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Navajo

Fuel$176/hr
Variable$350/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $100,000/yr

Beechcraft King Air 90

Which Should You Buy: Piper Navajo or Beechcraft King Air 90?

Bottom line: Choose the Navajo for the lowest acquisition cost cabin-class twin — piston twin operating cost. Step up to the King Air 90 for turboprop reliability, higher cruise, pressurisation and the much stronger support network.

Pick the Navajo if…

  • Budget matters — from $123,300 vs $413,000, you save ~$289,700.
  • Longer range — 1065 nm vs 1060 nm.
  • Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1966.

Pick the King Air 90 if…

  • More seats — 10 vs 8.
  • Faster cruise — 215 kts vs 206 kts.
  • More inventory — 108 listings vs 38.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Piper Navajo or Beechcraft King Air 90?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Navajo cruises at 206 kts with 1,065 nm range. The King Air 90 cruises at 215 kts with 1,060 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Beechcraft King Air 90: from $459,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Navajo and Beechcraft King Air 90?
King Air 90 engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-6. Seats: 8 vs 10. Cruise: 206 vs 215 kts. Range: 1065 vs 1060 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Navajo: about $350/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?
Navajo: 8 seats / 2,800 lb useful load. King Air 90: 10 seats / 2,700 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?
Navajo: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$42,000. King Air 90: 3,600-hour TBO. 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