1977 CESSNA 421C
Starts from the median asking price of 71 comparable Cessna 421C listings ($440,000), then adjusts for:
- Year -2 vs comparable listings -3.0%
- Airframe time +2,510 hr vs comps -5.0%
- Engine time -114 hr vs comps +1.6%
- Modern GPS navigator (83% of comps) +2.3%
- Autopilot (73% of comps) +0.8%
- ADS-B (62% of comps) +1.0%
Shown as a range. An estimate from asking-price comparables and FAA supply data — not an appraisal.
Overview
| Make / Model | Cessna 421C |
|---|---|
| Type | Multi-Engine Piston |
| Airframe time | 8,800 hrs |
| Engine time | 575 SMOH |
| Avionics / GPS | Garmin GNS 530 |
| Avionics / GPS / nav | GNS 530W |
| ADS-B | Yes |
| Inspection | Annual |
Description
This 1977 Cessna 421C Golden Eagle stands out as a well-cared-for example of a proven twin platform, with a long history of consistent ownership and professional maintenance. Maintained by Air Impressions and kept by the same owner for two decades, it reflects a level of continuity and attention to detail that’s increasingly hard to find in aircraft of this class. Powered by a pair of Continental GTSIO-520-L engines rated at 375 horsepower each, both engines feature aftermarket STCs and are paired with a synchronized propeller system for smoother operation in cruise. This Golden Eagle is configured and equipped for serious IFR flying. The panel centers around a Garmin GNS 530W WAAS-enabled GPS, providing precision approach capability. It’s further supported by a Garmin transponder with ADS-B compliance, active traffic awareness, and a Cessna Nav-O-Matic 800 autopilot with yaw damper. An Insight engine analyzer adds an extra layer of engine monitoring, giving real-time performance data. Inside, the cabin has been completely renovated in 2025. The addition of USB charging ports and audio connectivity, along with a Kenwood AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth entertainment system and cabin speakers, enhances the in-flight experience. The exterior, which was repainted in 2014, received a recent refresh in 2025, complementing the updated interior. This Golden Eagle has a total fuel capacity of 262 gallons and a useful load of 2,350 lbs. It also recently received a new set of tires. With a fresh annual inspection completed in October 2025 and logs available upon request, this aircraft is positioned as a well-maintained, thoughtfully upgraded example of the 421C. Its combination of avionics, capability, and recent interior work makes it particularly appealing for buyers seeking a ready-to-fly aircraft. Will consider trades for aircraft of similar value.
Modifications
KEITH AIR USB AUDIO JACK AND CHARGERS KENWOOD AM/FM/CD/BLUETOOTH CABIN ENTERTAINMENT W/ CABIN SPEAKERS
Avionics
INSIGHT ENGINE ANALYZER
Recommended avionics upgrades
A GNS 530 is a drop-in upgrade to the GTN 750Xi — bigger touchscreen, WAAS/LPV, and modern nav/comm/MFD.
See prices & suppliers ›Suggestions are based on the panel described in this listing; verify STC approval for this make/model before any installation.
Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs)
Checking FAA service difficulty reports…
Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
Checking airworthiness directives…
How this aircraft compares
Where this Cessna 421C lands versus other Cessna 421C listings on fyiAero.
Price
22nd pct$350k · 22nd percentile of 72 listings
Airframe time
88th pct8,800 hours total (TTAF) · 88th percentile of 78 listings
Engine time (Engine 1)
38th pct575 hours since major overhaul · 38th percentile of 72 listings
Engine time (Engine 2)
44th pct575 hours since major overhaul · 44th percentile of 72 listings
Percentile = share of comparable listings at or below this value. Lower airframe/engine hours are generally fresher; price reflects the asking price only.
General
| Year | 1977 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | CESSNA |
| Model | 421C |
| Condition | Used |
| FlightRules | IFR |
Airframe
| Total Time | 8,800 |
|---|---|
| Useful Load | 2,350 lb |
| Fuel Capacity Volume | 262 gal |
| Auxiliary Fuel Tank | Yes |
Engine 1
| Engine 1 Make/Model | CONTINENTAL GTSIO520L |
|---|---|
| Engine 1 Horsepower | 375 HP |
| Engine 1 Time | 575 SMOH |
| Engine 1 TBO | 1600 |
| Aftermarket Engine 1 STC | Yes |
| Engine 1 Turbocharged | Yes |
Engine 2
| Engine 2 Make/Model | CONTINENTAL GTSIO520L |
|---|---|
| Engine 2 Time | 575 SMOH |
| Aftermarket Engine 2 STC | Yes |
| Engine 2 Turbocharged | Yes |
Props
| Props Sync | Yes |
|---|
Avionics
| GPS 1 Manufacturer/Model | GARMIN GNS530WAAS |
|---|---|
| Transponder 1 Manufacturer/Model | GARMIN |
| Autopilot Manufacturer/Model | CESSNA NAV-O-MATIC 800 |
| ADS-B Equipped | Yes |
| WAAS | Yes |
| LPV | Yes |
| Yaw Damper | Yes |
| Active Traffic | Yes |
| Engine Monitor | Yes |
| Avionics/Radios | INSIGHT ENGINE ANALYZER |
Additional Equipment
| Pressurized | Yes |
|---|---|
| Oxygen System | Yes |
| Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) | Yes |
| Inadvertent Ice Protection | Yes |
| A/C | Yes |
| Additional Equipment | KEITH AIR USB AUDIO JACK AND CHARGERS KENWOOD AM/FM/CD/BLUETOOTH CABIN ENTERTAINMENT W/ CABIN SPEAKERS |
Modifications/Conversions
| Vortex Generators | Yes |
|---|
Interior
| Year Interior | 2025 |
|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 8 |
| Configuration | Passenger |
Exterior
| Year Painted | 2014 |
|---|
Inspection Status
| Inspection Status | FRESH ANNUAL OCT 2025 |
|---|
Operating costs & specifications — Cessna 421
Typical model-level figures for the Cessna 421 (not this specific airframe).
Performance & dimensions
| Range | 826 nm |
|---|---|
| Cruise speed | 222 kts · 255 mph |
| Takeoff / landing | 2012.0 / 1045.0 |
About this plane
Twin engine piston aircraft with retractable landing gear. The 421 seats up to 6 passengers plus 1 pilot.
Range from base
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