Beechcraft Sundowner
Beechcraft · United States · first flew 1972 · light aircraft
The Beechcraft Sundowner C23 is the production name for the Beechcraft Musketeer Sport variant, a fixed-gear four-seat trainer and tourer positioned as an entry-level Beechcraft competing directly with the Cessna 172 and Piper Cherokee.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.85 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Four-seat low-wing trainer and tourer with fixed tricycle undercarriage — the production-era name for the Musketeer Sport line
- 180 hp Lycoming O-360 with a clean cowling and a broad cabin offering good side-by-side visibility
- Slightly broader wing chord than the Piper Cherokee; T-shaped tail assembly with a small dorsal fin
Closely resembles the Piper Cherokee and Cessna 172 in overall configuration; the Sundowner's broader chord wing, slightly raised cabin, and Beechcraft-style instrument panel distinguish it to observers with cockpit access.
Specifications
- The Beechcraft Sundowner has a length of 7.85 m (26 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.98 m (33 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 225 km/h (140 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + up to 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Beechcraft renamed the Musketeer Sport as the Sundowner in 1972 to refresh the model's image and differentiate it from the retractable Sierra. Produced through to 1983, the Sundowner was supplied to flight academies and private owners seeking a step up from less refined trainers.
Variants
Produced as the Model C23 Sundowner; minor equipment changes were introduced through production years but no major structural variants were offered.
Where you'll see it
Used extensively in US flight training and exported worldwide; a number were operated by UK and European flying clubs through the 1970s and early 1980s.
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