The Piper PA-23, named Apache and later Aztec, is an American four- to six-seat twin-engined
light aircraft
A light aircraft is an aircraft that has a maximum gross takeoff weight of or less.Crane, Dale: ''Dictionary of Aeronautical Terms, third edition'', page 308. Aviation Supplies & Academics, 1997.
Light aircraft are used as utility aircraft c ...
aimed at the
general-aviation market. The
United States Navy
The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...
and military forces in other countries also used it in small numbers. Originally designed in the 1950s by the
Stinson Aircraft Company
The Stinson Aircraft Company was an aircraft manufacturing company in the United States between the 1920s and the 1950s.
History
The Stinson Aircraft Company was founded in Dayton, Ohio, in 1920 by aviator Edward “Eddie” Stinson, the b ...
,
Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc. is a manufacturer of general aviation aircraft, located at the Vero Beach Regional Airport in Vero Beach, Florida, United States and owned since 2009 by the Government of Brunei. Throughout much of the mid-to-late 20th centur ...
manufactured the Apache and a more powerful version, the Aztec, in the United States from the 1950s to the 1980s.
Design and development
The PA-23 was the first twin-engined Piper aircraft, and was developed from a proposed "Twin Stinson" design, inherited when Piper bought the Stinson Division of the
Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation
Convair, previously Consolidated Vultee, was an American aircraft manufacturing company that later expanded into rockets and spacecraft. The company was formed in 1943 by the merger of Consolidated Aircraft and Vultee Aircraft. In 1953, it ...
.
The prototype PA-23 was a four-seat, low-wing, all-metal
monoplane
A monoplane is a fixed-wing aircraft configuration with a single mainplane, in contrast to a biplane or other types of multiplanes, which have multiple planes.
A monoplane has inherently the highest efficiency and lowest drag of any wing confi ...
with a
twin tail
A twin tail is a specific type of vertical stabilizer arrangement found on the empennage of some aircraft. Two vertical stabilizers—often smaller on their own than a single conventional tail would be—are mounted at the outside of the aircra ...
, powered by two 125 hp
Lycoming O-290 Lycoming may refer to the following, most of which are at least partly in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, United States:
Geography
* Lycoming, New York, a hamlet
* Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
* Lycoming Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
* Ly ...
-D piston engines;
it first flew on March 2, 1952.
The aircraft performed badly, so it was redesigned with a single
vertical stabilizer
A vertical stabilizer or tail fin is the static part of the vertical tail of an aircraft. The term is commonly applied to the assembly of both this fixed surface and one or more movable rudders hinged to it. Their role is to provide control, sta ...
and an all-metal rear fuselage and more powerful 150 hp
Lycoming O-320
The Lycoming O-320 is a large family of naturally aspirated, air-cooled, four-cylinder, direct-drive engines produced by Lycoming Engines. They are commonly used on light aircraft such as the Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee. Different variants ...
-A engines.
Apache
(ICAO code: PA23)
Two new prototypes of the redesigned aircraft, now named Apache, were built in 1953
and entered production in 1954; 1,231 were built. In 1958, the Apache 160 was produced by upgrading the engines to 160 hp (119 kW); 816 were built.
The Apache 160 was superseded in 1962 by the Aztec-derived Apache 235. With a 1962 price of $45,000, the Apache 235 featured the Aztec's 235 hp (175 kW) engines and swept tail surfaces (119 built).
Aztec
(ICAO code: PA27)
![PiperU11A149067atPima](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/PiperU11A149067atPima.JPG)
In 1959, Piper produced an upgraded version with 250 hp (186 kW)
Lycoming O-540
The Lycoming O-540 is a family of air-cooled six-cylinder, horizontally opposed fixed-wing aircraft and helicopter engines of displacement, manufactured by Lycoming Engines. The engine is a six-cylinder version of the four-cylinder Lycoming ...
engines and a swept vertical tail as the PA-23-250, and named it Aztec.
The first models came in a five-seat configuration. In 1961, a longer-nosed variant, the Aztec B, entered production.
Later Aztecs were equipped with Lycoming IO-540 fuel-injected engines and six-seat capacity, and remained in production until 1982. Turbocharged versions of the later models could fly at higher altitudes.
The United States Navy acquired 20 Aztecs, designating them UO-1, which changed to U-11A when unified designations were adopted in 1962.
In 1974, Piper produced a single experimental PA-41P Pressurized Aztec concept. This concept was short-lived, however, as the aspects of the Aztec that made it so popular for its spacious interior and ability to haul large loads did not lend themselves well to supporting the sealed pressure vessel required for a pressurized aircraft. The project was scrapped, and the one pressurized Aztec produced, N9941P, was donated to Mississippi State University, where it was used for testing purposes. In 2000, N9941P was donated to the Piper Aviation Museum in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, on the condition that it never be flown again. It is now there on display.
Variants
Apache
![Piper-Geronimo](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/51/Piper-Geronimo.jpg)
;PA-23 Twin-Stinson
:Original designation of the Piper PA-23 Apache
;PA-23 Apache
:Initial production version, 2047 built (including the Apache E, G and H)
;PA-23-150 Apache B
:1955 variant with minor changes
;PA-23-150 Apache C
:1956 variant with minor changes
;PA-23-150 Apache D
:1957 variant with minor changes
;PA-23-160 Apache E
:PA-23 powered by two 160 hp O-320-B engines
;PA-23-160 Apache G
:PA-23 with longer internal cabin and extra window
;PA-23-160 Apache H
:Apache G with O-320-B2B engines and minor changes
;PA-23-235 Apache 235
:Apache with five seats and 235 hp O-540 engines, 118 built
;
:Apache G with modified rear fuselage, new fin and rudder and 250hp Lycoming O-540-A1D engines, 4811 built (including subvariants)
;Seguin Geronimo
:Apache with a series of modifications to the engines, nose, and tail
Aztec
![1960PA-23-250](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/71/1960PA-23-250.jpg)
;PA-23-250 Aztec B
:1962-1964. Aztec with longer nose for a baggage compartment; six seats, new instrument panel and changes to systems.
;PA-23-250 Aztec C and Aztec C Turbo
:1964-1968. Aztec B with either IO-540-C4B5 engines or turbocharged TIO-540-C1A as an option, also modified engine nacelles and modified landing gear.
;PA-23-250 Aztec D and Aztec D Turbo
:1969-1970. Aztec C with revised instrument panel and controls.
;PA-23-250 Aztec E and Aztec E Turbo
:1971-1975. Aztec D with longer pointed nose and a single-piece windshield.
;PA-23-250 Aztec F and Aztec F Turbo
:1976-1981. Aztec E with improved systems and cambered wingtips and tailplane tip extensions.
;U-11A
:United States Navy designation formerly UO-1.
;UO-1
:United States Navy designation for PA-23-250 Aztec with additional equipment; 20 delivered, later re-designated U-11A.
;PA-41P Pressurized Aztec
:Pressurized Aztec concept, one built.
Operators
Military operators
;
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;
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Public Force of Costa Rica
The Public Force of Costa Rica ( es, Fuerza Pública de Costa Rica) is the Costa Rican national law enforcement force, which performs policing and border patrol functions.
History
On 1 December 1948, President José Figueres Ferrer of Costa ...
;
* ''Fuezas Aéreas Ejército de Cuba''
;
;
*
Guatemalan Air Force
The Guatemalan Air Force ( es, Fuerza Aérea Guatemalteca or ''FAG'') is a small air force composed mostly of U.S.-made aircraft throughout its history. The FAG is a subordinate to the Guatemalan Military and its commanding officer reports to th ...
;
*
Honduran Air Force
The Honduras Air Force ( es, Fuerza Aérea Hondureña, sometimes abbreviated to FAH in English) is the air force of Honduras. As such it is the air power arm of the Honduras Armed Forces.
History
The first Honduras military flying took place ...
;
*
Haitian Air Force
The Haiti Air Corps (french: Corps d'Aviation d'Haiti (Corps d’Aviation de 1’Armee d’Haiti)) was the air force of Haiti from 1942 to 1994. The air corps was disbanded along with the rest of the armed forces after Operation Uphold Democracy, t ...
;
;
;
*
Nicaraguan Air Force
The Nicaraguan Air Force ( es, Fuerza Aérea Nicaragüense) is the air defense branch of the armed forces of Nicaragua. It continues the former Sandinista air units. Before 1979 the Nicaraguan National Guard had some air units ().
Air force
In 1 ...
;
*
Spanish Air Force
, colours =
, colours_label =
, march = Spanish Air and Space Force Anthem
, mascot =
, anniversaries = 10 December
, equipment ...
**
Escuadrón 912
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Escuadrilla de Enlace 905
;
*
Paraguayan Air Force
The Armed forces of Paraguay ( es, Fuerzas Armadas de Paraguay) consist of the Paraguayan army, navy (including naval aviation and marine corps) and air force.
The constitution of Paraguay establishes the president of Paraguay as the commander- ...
**
Grupo Aéreo de Transporte Especial/GATE
;
* Air Operations Element,
Papua New Guinea Defence Force
The Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Papua New Guinea. It originated from the Australian Army land forces of the territory of Papua New Guinea before independence, coming into bei ...
- former operator
;
;
*
United States Navy
The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...
;
;
Uruguay
Uruguay (; ), officially the Oriental Republic of Uruguay ( es, República Oriental del Uruguay), is a country in South America. It shares borders with Argentina to its west and southwest and Brazil to its north and northeast; while bordering ...
;*
Uruguayan Air Force
The Uruguayan Air Force ( es, Fuerza Aérea Uruguaya, abbreviated FAU) is the air service branch of the Armed Forces of Uruguay. Originally created as part of the National Army of Uruguay, the Air Force was established as a separate branch on Dec ...
Specifications (PA-23-250F, normally aspirated)
Accidents and incidents
*On 21 March 1964, a Piper PA-23-160 Apache (G-ASHC) crashed on its approach to the Aintree racecourse, near Liverpool, killing all 5 on board. The flight had taken off from Luton Airport and included broadcaster
Nancy Spain
Nancy Brooker Spain (13 September 1917 – 21 March 1964) was a prominent English broadcaster and journalist. She was a columnist for the '' Daily Express'', ''She'' magazine, and the '' News of the World'' in the 1950s and 1960s. She also appea ...
, who was covering the Grand National, and her friend
Joan Werner Laurie
Joan Ann Werner Laurie (17 November 1920 – 21 March 1964) was an English book and magazine editor.
Early and private life
Laurie was born in Marylebone, London, the daughter of Thomas Werner Laurie, a London publisher with a reputation fo ...
, who was learning to fly. The CAA accident report stated that passenger interference could not be ruled out as a cause of the accident.
*On 18 July 1967 Aztec C ''PP-ETT'' was hit by a
Lockheed T-33
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star (or T-Bird) is an American subsonic jet trainer. It was produced by Lockheed and made its first flight in 1948. The T-33 was developed from the Lockheed P-80/F-80 starting as TP-80C/TF-80C in development, then d ...
of the Brazilian Air Force near
Mondubim, Brazil, killing the former President of Brazil
Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco
Marshal Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco () (September 20, 1897 – July 18, 1967) was a Brazilian military leader and politician. He served as the first president of the Brazilian military dictatorship after the 1964 military coup d'etat. ...
.
*On 18 April 1974, Aztec ''G-AYDE'' collided with
Court Line Flight 95
Court Line Aviation Flight 95 was an international charter flight from London Luton Airport, Bedfordshire, England, to Munich-Riem Airport, West Germany, operated on 18 April 1974 by Court Line BAC One-Eleven, BAC One-Eleven 518 G-AXMJ. During ...
, a
BAC One-Eleven
The BAC One-Eleven (or BAC-111/BAC 1-11) was an early jet airliner produced by the British Aircraft Corporation (BAC).
Originally conceived by Hunting Aircraft as a 30-seat jet, before its merger into BAC in 1960, it was launched as an 80-se ...
, at
London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport is an international airport located in Luton, Bedfordshire, England, situated east of the town centre, and north of Central London. The airport is owned by London Luton Airport Ltd (LLAL), a company wholly owned by ...
after the pilot of the Aztec entered the active runway without clearance. He was killed and his passenger was injured. All 91 people on board the One-Eleven successfully evacuated after the takeoff was aborted.
*On 29 November 1975, retired
Formula One
Formula One (also known as Formula 1 or F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The World Drivers' Championship, ...
racing driver and
Embassy Hill
Embassy Racing With Graham Hill, commonly abbreviated to Embassy Hill, was a short-lived Formula One team started by two-time Formula One World Champion Graham Hill. The team debuted in with a customer Shadow DN1 car, and began racing as a cons ...
team owner
Graham Hill
Norman Graham Hill (15 February 1929 – 29 November 1975) was a British racing driver and team owner, who was the Formula One World Champion twice, winning in and as well as being runner up on three occasions (1963, 1964 and 1965). Despite ...
was
piloting
Piloting or pilotage is the process of navigating on water or in the air using fixed points of reference on the sea or on land, usually with reference to a nautical chart or aeronautical chart to obtain a fix of the position of the vessel or air ...
a Piper PA-23-250 Turbo Aztec D, marked as N6645Y, from
Circuit Paul Ricard
The Circuit Paul Ricard () is a French motorsport race track built in 1969 at Le Castellet, Var, near Marseille, with finance from pastis magnate Paul Ricard. Ricard wanted to experience the challenge of building a racetrack. The circuit has ho ...
, France, to London, United Kingdom.
His passengers were Embassy Hill race driver
Tony Brise
Anthony William Brise (28 March 1952 – 29 November 1975) was an English racing driver, who took part in ten Formula One Grand Prix events in 1975, before dying in a plane crash with Graham Hill.
Early life
Brise was born in Erith, Kent, t ...
, team manager Ray Brimble, designer Andy Smallman and mechanics Terry Richards and Tony Alcock. While on approach to land at
Elstree Airfield
London Elstree Aerodrome is an operational general aviation aerodrome located in Elstree, situated east of Watford, Hertfordshire, England.
Elstree Aerodrome has Civil Aviation Authority Ordinary Licence P486, which allows flights for the pu ...
,
Hertfordshire
Hertfordshire ( or ; often abbreviated Herts) is one of the home counties in southern England. It borders Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire to the north, Essex to the east, Greater London to the south, and Buckinghamshire to the west. For govern ...
, shortly before 10 pm, in thick fog the aircraft hit trees on a golf course at
Arkley
Arkley is an area of north London, England, within the London Borough of Barnet. It is located north-northwest of Charing Cross.
It consists of a long village strung out between Barnet and Stirling Corner, roughly centred on the "Gate" pub, ...
, Hertfordshire.
The ensuing crash and explosion killed everyone on board.
BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC #REDIRECT BBC
Here i going to introduce about the best teacher of my life b BALAJI sir. He is the precious gift that I got befor 2yrs . How has helped and thought all the concept and made my success in the 10th board ex ...
This day in history-- 1975: Graham Hill killed in air crash.
/ref>[Graham Hill, 46, Retired Racer, In Fatal Crash Piloting His Plane. UPI News Service. December 1, 1975 (Monday]
New York Times archive
/ref>
*On 15 April 1978, Hollywood stunt flyer Frank Tallman
Frank Gifford Tallman III (April 17, 1919 in East Orange, New Jersey – April 15, 1978 in Santiago Peak, Trabuco Canyon, California) was a stunt pilot who worked in Hollywood during the 1960s and 1970s.
He was the son of Frank Gifford Tallman ...
was ferrying a Piper Aztec from Santa Monica Airport, California, to Phoenix, Arizona under visual flight rules
In aviation, visual flight rules (VFR) are a set of regulations under which a pilot operates an aircraft in weather conditions generally clear enough to allow the pilot to see where the aircraft is going. Specifically, the weather must be better ...
when he continued the flight into deteriorating weather, a lowering ceiling and rain. He struck the side of Santiago Peak
Santiago Peak is the southern mountain of the Saddleback landform in Orange County, California. It is the highest and most prominent peak of both the Santa Ana Mountains and Orange County; it also marks a border point with Riverside County. Th ...
in the Santa Ana Mountains
The Santa Ana Mountains are a short peninsular mountain range along the coast of Southern California in the United States. They extend for approximately southeast of the Los Angeles Basin largely along the border between Orange and Riverside co ...
near Trabuco Canyon at cruise altitude, dying in the ensuing crash.
See also
References
Notes
Bibliography
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External links
Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Apache-Aztec
by AVweb
{{DEFAULTSORT:Piper Pa-23
1950s United States civil utility aircraft
PA-23
PA23 may refer to:
*Pennsylvania's 23rd congressional district
*Pennsylvania Route 23
*Piper Aztec
The Piper PA-23, named Apache and later Aztec, is an American four- to six-seat twin-engined light aircraft aimed at the general-aviation market. ...
Low-wing aircraft
Aircraft first flown in 1952
Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft