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N4164P
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1959 Piper PA-23-160 Apache C/N 23-1649Discuss this aircraft in forum |
by Helicopterfriend @ POC
by Doug Robertson @ CMA
by Torsten Hoff @ CMA
by Pete Hughes @ VNY
| Manufacturer: | Piper |
| Model: | PA-23-160 Apache Search all Piper PA-23-160 Apache |
| Year built: | 1959 |
| Construction Number (C/N): | 23-1649 |
| Aircraft Type: | Fixed wing multi engine |
| Number of Seats: | 5 |
| Number of Engines: | 2 |
| Engine Type: | Reciprocating |
| Engine Manufacturer and Model: | Lycoming 0-320 SERIES |
| Registration Number: | N4164P |
| Mode S (ICAO24) Code: | A4ED5C |
| Certification Class: | Standard |
| Certification Issued: | 1989-09-05 |
| Air Worthiness Test: | 1959-04-27 |
| Last Action Taken: | 2007-09-18 |
| Current Status: | Valid |
| Registration Type: | Individual |
| Address: | Van Nuys, CA 91411 United States |
| Region: | Western-Pacific |
| Doug Robertson, 2006-05-06 00:00:00 | |
| Piper built the PA-23 Apache twin and the larger, more powerful PA-23 Aztec twin under the same PA-23 designator, which can cause some identification confusion. The prototype Apache was originally know as the 'Twin Stinson' when Piper took over Stinson to get the twin design. The prototype with twin vertical stabilizers and rudders was numerically called the PA-21 in 1952. The PA-21 prototype was redesigned by Piper with single tail and all-metal fuselage, entering production in 1954 as the four seat PA-23 Apache with two 150 hp Lycoming O-320 engines. This version was considered underpowered. In 1957 Piper upgraded the PA-23 Apache to two 160 Hp Lycoming engines, after others had added 170 or 180 Hp engine mods. The final Apache H model ended production in 1963 with 160 Hp engines. The six seat PA-23 Aztec improved and lengthened version of the Apache made its first appearance in 1959 after slowing sales of the four seat Apache. It had two 235 Hp Lycoming IO-540-A1D5 fuel-injected engines, but it was first called the PA-23-235 Apache adding to the confusion. In 1960 Piper cleared it up with the Aztec PA-23-250 appearing with two Lycoming O-540-A1A engines. Later Aztecs models had two 260 Hp Lycoming engines and a lengthened nose baggage section. Aztec models A through F were offered until the F production ended in 1981. Optional turbocharged Aztec models used the Lycoming IO-540-C1A engines. The final F model Aztec had revised stabilator, revised wing tips with added fuel and could have optional weather radar in the nose. The US Navy purchased 20 off-the-shelf early production PA-23 Aztecs in 1960 for use as utility transports with 250 Hp Lycoming O-540-A1A engines. These only differed with having propeller anti-icing, an oxygen system and added radios. First known as UO-1s, they were redesignated U-11As in 1962 when the military services redesignated all aircraft types. N4164P is a PA-23 Apache and was never operated by the US Navy, despite the paint scheme. So, a 'Warbird' appellation is inappropriate for this airplane, and such examples can fool the observer simply on appearance, rather than their true history. | |