Aircraft N4164P Data

N4164P
1959 Piper PA-23-160 Apache, c/n 23-1649
Latest photos of N4164P
N4164P @ POC - Parked east of the static displays - by Helicopterfriend
Helicopterfriend
@ POC
N4164P @ CMA - 1959 Piper PA-23-160 APACHE, two Lycoming O-320-Bs 160 Hp each, taxi to Rwy 26 - by Doug Robertson
Doug Robertson
@ CMA
N4164P @ CMA - N4164P taxiing - by Torsten Hoff
Torsten Hoff
@ CMA
N4164P @ VNY - Apache N4164P seen at Van Nuys some years before Doug's pictures and in a rather more typical Piper colour scheme! - by Pete Hughes
Pete Hughes
@ VNY
Airframe Info
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
Aircraft
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
Owner
Registration Type Individual
Address Van Nuys, CA 91411
United States
Region Western-Pacific
User Comments
Doug Robertson, 2006-05-06 04:00:00
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.