Piper Dakota Aircraft in South Carolina

· updated recently

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About the Piper Dakota

The Piper Dakota (PA-28-236) is the high-power, fixed-gear Cherokee — a 235 hp Lycoming O-540 in the standard PA-28 airframe. The result is a cruise of about 140 knots and a useful load materially higher than the Archer's, making the Dakota the practical hauler of the PA-28 family. Production was relatively short, so the used market is thinner than for Warriors and Archers.

Piper Dakota helicopter for sale

Piper Dakota Specifications

Model spec

The Piper Dakota is a single engine piston with a cruise speed of 143 kt (265 km/h), a range of 650 nm (1,204 km).

Performance
Cruise143 kt (265 km/h)
Max Speed148 kt (274 km/h)
Range650 nm (1,204 km)
Weights & Seats
Max Gross Weight3,000 lbs (1,361 kg)

Piper Dakota Listings

No Piper Dakota currently listed for sale.

This page updates automatically the moment one is listed — check back soon, or browse the Piper range.

Compare Piper Dakota

See how the Piper Dakota stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

⏲ Compare Piper Cherokee generations →

Piper Dakota Price & Cost

Piper Dakota Price Guide

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.

Piper Dakota Value by Model Year

Median asking price by year of manufacture. Newer airframes command a premium; value falls with age then plateaus on older models.

$491K $348K $205K
$314K
$240K
$205K
$250K
$235K
$275K
$240K
$429K
$350K
$450K
$491K
’99
’01
’03
’14
’21
’23

Lowest around $204,900 (2001 models) · highest around $491,000 (2023). Bars scaled across the range to show the depreciation curve; hover for exact medians.

Buying a Used Piper Dakota

When buying a Piper Dakota, the biggest value drivers are engine time since overhaul, maintenance-record completeness, damage history and avionics.

What to check before buying

  • Engine time to overhaul — hours and years remaining drive price more than total airframe time.
  • Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records protect value.
  • Damage history — any prior accident or incident; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
  • Avionics — a modern glass panel vs legacy 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 — Piper Dakota

How much can a Piper Dakota carry?
The Dakota's 235-hp engine gives it the highest useful load in the fixed-gear PA-28 range — typically enough for four adults plus baggage with usable fuel. Check each listing's weight-and-balance figures above, as equipment and year affect the exact number.
What is the difference between the Dakota and the Cherokee 235?
Both use the 235-hp Lycoming O-540. The Cherokee 235 (Charger/Pathfinder) uses the older constant-chord wing with tip tanks; the Dakota (PA-28-236) uses the modern tapered wing and a cleaner airframe, giving slightly better handling and cruise.
How fast is a Piper Dakota?
A normally aspirated Dakota cruises around 140 knots — quicker than an Archer thanks to the extra power. The rarer Turbo Dakota holds speed better at altitude.
Does the Dakota have the wing-spar AD?
As a PA-28, the Dakota falls under the family wing-spar inspection requirements. Confirm spar-AD compliance and O-540 engine time before buying.

Piper Dakota Inventory by Country

United States428
United Kingdom37
Germany20
Canada16
Australia12
Switzerland10

Piper Dakota Inventory by State

California54
Texas46
Florida45
Kentucky19
Illinois11
Oklahoma11
Georgia11
Missouri11
South Carolina10
Arizona9
Michigan9
Louisiana8

Piper Dakota by Price

Under $100k200
Under $200k440
Under $300k467
Under $500k485

Recently Sold Piper Dakota

1977 Arrow$115,000
1963 Cherokee 235$125,000
1977 Arrow$134,196
1966 Cherokee 180$53,580
2005 Arrow$300,552
1979 Archer$190,000

Other Piper Helicopters

Piper Cherokee608
Piper Malibu272
Piper Saratoga171
All Piper →

Piper Dakota Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Piper Dakota. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed recently · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data