The Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess is a light twin-engine aircraft built by Beechcraft. It was unveiled in 1974 by Beechcraft, a division of the Raytheon Aircraft Company. Its primary duty was to serve as a twin-engine trainer and personal aircraft. Introduced to service in 1978, the Duchess was produced until 1983. The aircraft features a cantilever low-wing, all-metal structure, retractable tricycle undercarriage, and a T-tail. It is powered by two Lycoming O-360-A1G6D engines, each producing 180 horsepower, with counter-rotating propellers that eliminate the critical engine. The Duchess seats up to 4, including 1 pilot. It has a maximum ceiling of about 19,650 ft, a maximum range of 780 nmi, and a top cruise speed of approximately 158 knots at 10,000 ft altitude. Known for its ease of handling, low operational costs, and durability, it remains a popular choice for flight schools and private owners.
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What is the Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess?
The Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess is an American twin-engined light monoplane aircraft. It features a retractable tricycle gear arrangement. This four-seater was intended as a trainer. It is powered by Lycoming O-360-A1G6D engines. It is a light twin trainer, in service since 1978, and production ended in 1982. The Duchess was unveiled in 1974 by Beechcraft, a division of the Raytheon Aircraft Company. This low-priced twin is fitted with two 180-hp Lycoming engines, retractable landing gear, and counter-rotating propellers. The 76 Duchess seats up to 3 passengers plus 1 pilot, carrying four people with 180 (81.6 kilograms) pounds of luggage at 185 (298 kilometers per hour) mph for more than 800 (1,287 kilometers) miles. The MTOW is 3,200 pounds. The Duchess is docile, pleasant to fly, and responsive. However, it has a tendency to yaw called the Beechcraft Boogie. Due to counterrotating propellers, the engine is removed. The engines are reliable, and the aircraft has dual double doors.
The identifier of the Beechcraft Duchess is Model 76. It was first known as the PD 289. That is when, at the 1976 sales extravaganza, company officials introduced the former PD 289 as the Model 76 Duchess. Duchess is used for training on planes with more than one engine. In 1980, a 28-volt electrical system was added to the Duchess. This provides increased cranking power in cold weather, more power for avionics, and better parts commonality with other Beech products. The electrical system is 28-volt which has better starting and more power for avionics. However, circuits have faults and require checks at 100, 500, and 1,000 flying hours. Mechanics find engine damage, propeller wobble, and part breaks. Fatigue cracking causes problems in engine parts, corrosion harms body frames, and wheels have defects. Gas tanks have leaks, and the top landing gear frame has a history of failures.
I rode the Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess while learning to fly planes with two engines in 2019. The opposite-spinning gets rid of the risk, so the hazard is manageable. I recall the swing during pulling up the wheels, which my teacher called the ‘Beechcraft Boogie’. I liked the way it flew - easy to control, docile, and its base is stable.
Jim GoodrichPilot, Airplane Broker and Founder of Tsunami Air
What are the specifications of the Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess?
The specifications of the Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess are given in the table below.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 9 ft |
| Weight | 3,900 lb |
| Ceiling | 19,650 ft |
| Climb | 1,248 fpm |
| Engine | Lycoming O-360 |
| Seats | 4 |
| Fuel | 100 gal |
| Takeoff | 2,119 ft |
| Landing | 1,881 ft |
| Stall | 60 kts |
| Span | 38 ft |
| Length | 29 ft |
| Empty | 2,446 lb |
| Payload | 1,470 lb |
| Range | 780 nm |
| Speed | 194 kts |
| Cruise | 171 kts |
The Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess is a light twin engine piston aircraft with retractable landing gear. It has a capacity of 4 seats (1 pilot + 3 passengers). The aircraft is powered by two Lycoming O-360-A1G6D engines, each producing 180 horsepower. That gives a total of 360 horsepower. Fuel burn for the Duchess is 21.8 GPH. Economical consumption is 16 gph (60.6 lph), and the two 180-horsepower (134-kilowatt) engines burn 18 gallons (68.1 liters) total an hour.
The Duchess’ exterior height is 9 ft 6 in (2.90 m), wing spans 38 ft 0 in (11.58 m), and length is 29 ft 1 in (8.86 m). Max T/O Weight is 3,900 lb (1,769 kg), empty weight is 2,446 lb (1,110 kg), and fuel capacity is 100 gallons (379 liters). Service ceiling is 19,650 ft (5,990 m), rate of climb is 1,248 fpm (6.34 m/s), take-off distance over 50-ft obstacle is 2,119 feet (646 m), and landing distance over a 50-ft obstacle is 1,881 ft (573 m).
What is the performance Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess?
The performance Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess is given in the table below.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Range | 780 nmi |
| Ceiling | 19,650 ft |
| Climb | 1,248 fpm |
| Weight | 3,900 lb |
| Speed | 158 knots |
| Fuel | 100 gal |
| Engine | Lycoming O-360 |
| Power | 180 hp |
| Seats | 4 |
| Stall | 60 knots |
| Vne | 194 knots |
| Cruise | 171 knots |
| Endurance | 5.1 hours |
The Beechcraft Duchess has a maximum range of 780 nm (1,445 km) and a service ceiling of 19,650 ft (5,990 m). The rate of climb is 1,248 fpm (6.3 m/s). It has two Lycoming O-360-A1G6D engines, each producing 180 horsepower. It has a maximum speed of 194 knots and a normal cruise of 171 knots. The top cruise speed at 10,000 ft (3,048 m) is approximately 158 knots (182 mph). The max takeoff weight is 3,900 lb (1,769 kg) and fuel capacity is 100 gallons (379 liters). The Duchess has an empty weight of 2,460 lb (1,116 kg) and a useful load of 1,203 lb (546 kg).
What is the price for the Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess?
The Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess has a market price range of $150,000 to $350,000, depending on engine time, avionics, and overall condition. A typical price is $129,265, and the PAPI price estimate (as of March 1, 2026) is $174,404. A Duchess with digital cockpit has a common price of $120,000 to $150,000+, and a standard one has a price of $80,000 to $100,000. Engines needing replacement lower the purchase price by $40,000 to $60,000, and a reconditioned plane adds $40,000 to $60,000 to its worth. Listed prices range from $134,000 to $150,000, and in Britain, the asking price is 169,500. When new, the 1979 Duchess retails for $125,000, and later production price is $81,000. Annual steady expenses include insurance premium of $1,200 to $1,700, depreciation of $3,000, and title and charge price of $815. Fuel expenses are $2,000 to $2,150. Maintenance and repairs cost $800 to $1,500. Tires, tolls, money to park, and loan costs are additional expenses.
Expert behind this article
Jim Goodrich
Jim Goodrich is a pilot, aviation expert and founder of Tsunami Air.
