Cessna 421 Aircraft under $200,000
Under $200k for a piston twin is value-entry into multi-engine ownership — typically 1960s-70s Cessna 310, Aerostar, Apache/Aztec or early Baron 55. Engines on second or third overhaul cycles; pressurised variants in this band need pressure-vessel inspection on 50+ year airframes. Real ownership-cost concern: budget for both engines and mandate-upgrade investment.
9 used Cessna 421 aircraft for sale under $200,000 · 8-seat · $100K – $199K · updated 1 hour ago
About the Cessna 421
The Cessna 421 Golden Eagle is the flagship pressurised piston twin in Cessna's line — produced 1967-1985 with twin geared Continental GTSIO-520 engines, six-to-eight seats in a pressurised cabin, and cruise ~230 knots. The geared engines give cabin-class power but require specialist maintenance. The 421C is the final and most refined version, with a bigger wing and improved systems.
Cessna 421 Specifications
Model specThe Cessna 421 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).
9 Cessna 421 For Sale
There are currently 9 used Cessna 421 for sale, ranging from $100,000 to $199,000, with a median asking price of $150,000.
Cessna 421 Variants
| Variant | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Price range | Best for | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 421B | 1968–1975 | 8 | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | $129K – $375K | A capable mid-production Golden Eagle — a pressurised cabin-class piston twin offering near-turboprop comfort at a more affordable point in the 421 range. | 14 |
| 421C | 1976–1985 | 8 | 230 kts (426 km/h) | 1,385 nm (2,565 km) | 2,450 lbs (1,111 kg) | $100K – $749K | The definitive, most-refined Golden Eagle — the cabin-class pressurised piston twin to buy if you want the best-developed 421. | 63 |
Compare Cessna 421
See how the Cessna 421 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.
⏲ Compare Cessna 421 generations →Cessna 421 Price & Cost
How much does a Cessna 421 cost? Used 421 prices: $100K – $199K, average $154K (median $150K), across 9 priced of 9 active listings.
Based on 46 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 421
Every Cessna 421 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 421
What is the Cessna 421 Golden Eagle?
What is the difference between the 421, 421B and 421C?
How much does a Cessna 421 Golden Eagle cost?
What are the Cessna 421 specifications?
What engines does the Cessna 421 use?
How many seats does a Cessna 421 have?
What is the difference between the Cessna 414 and 421?
Is the Cessna 421 still in production?
Cessna 421 Inventory by Country
| United States | 73 |
| Germany | 6 |
| Spain | 2 |
| Canada | 1 |
| Czechia | 1 |
Cessna 421 Inventory by State
| Texas | 14 |
| Florida | 13 |
| California | 10 |
| Oklahoma | 4 |
| North Carolina | 3 |
| Ohio | 3 |
| Michigan | 2 |
| Montana | 2 |
| Illinois | 2 |
Cessna 421 by Price
| Under $200k | 9 |
| Under $300k | 20 |
| Under $500k | 52 |
Cessna 421 Safety Record
Across all 421 variants, 326 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) | — |
| Jun 17, 2024 | Steamboat Springs, CO | Fatal (2) | The pilot’s failure to maintain sufficient airspeed following a loss of engine power, which resulted in an inadvertent a… |
| 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… |
NTSB records 1982–2024. Includes all Cessna 421 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.