The story
Beechcraft designed the Model 76 as an economical twin-engine trainer for its Beech Aero Centers. The prototype flew in September 1974, production aircraft followed in 1977 and deliveries began early in 1978. It borrowed its bonded-aluminium wing and fuselage structure from the Musketeer and Sierra singles, used counter-rotating 180-hp Lycomings and wore a T-tail. Only 437 were built before production ended in the early 1980s, and flight schools still keep many of them busy.
The T-tail fixed a real problem. In flight tests the original low tailplane buffeted in the propeller slipstream, and lifting it clear cured the buffeting for only about 15 extra pounds.
Quick answers
How do you identify a Beechcraft 76 Duchess?
A low-wing twin with a T-tail, easy to mistake for a Piper Seminole. The Duchess has a cabin door on each side, unusual for a light twin, and its bonded wing shows very few rivets.
What does a Beechcraft 76 Duchess sound like?
Two counter-rotating Lycomings in a steady, even buzz.
How many people does the Beechcraft 76 Duchess carry?
Typical configuration: 1 pilot + 3 passengers.
How far can the Beechcraft 76 Duchess fly?
Range is about 780 nmi (economy cruise).
How big is the Beechcraft 76 Duchess?
It is 29 ft 0 in long and 38 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the Beechcraft 76 Duchess first fly?
Its first flight was in 1974.
How many Beechcraft 76 Duchesss have been built?
437 built.
How rare is a Beechcraft 76 Duchess in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first Beechcraft 76 Duchess catch is worth 25 points.
