# Beechcraft C23 Sundowner vs Piper PA-28-181 Archer

Page: https://www.aerscheduler.com/aircraft/compare/beechcraft-c23-vs-piper-pa-28-181
Guides: https://www.aerscheduler.com/aircraft/beechcraft-c23, https://www.aerscheduler.com/aircraft/piper-pa-28-181

## Where they differ

- The Piper PA-28-181 fleet is younger: half of those registered were built by 1986, against 1977 for the Beechcraft C23.
- There are more Piper PA-28-181s to choose from: 3,425 registered against 445.
- The Piper PA-28-181 carries more airframe ADs with a repeat action, 3 against 0: inspections that come back for as long as the AD applies.
- Mechanics report the Beechcraft C23's magneto/distributor most, and the Piper PA-28-181's fuselage miscellaneous structure.

## Side by side

| | Beechcraft C23 Sundowner | Piper PA-28-181 Archer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Registered in the US | 445 | 3,425 |
| Built | 1970 to 1983 | 1975 to 2026 |
| Half built by | 1977 | 1986 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 |
| Most common engine | Lycoming O-360 | Lycoming O-360 |
| Typical cruise fuel burn | Not set | 9.5 gal/hr |
| Engine overhaul interval | 2,000 hr | 2,000 hr |
| Current airframe ADs | 19 | 59 |
| Airframe ADs with a repeat action | 0 | 3 |
| Current ADs on the main engine | 24 | 24 |
| Service Difficulty Reports | 6 (13.5 per 1,000) | 790 (230.7 per 1,000) |
| Most-reported system | Magneto/Distributor | Fuselage Miscellaneous Structure |
| Accidents since 2008 | 55 (123.6 per 1,000) | 130 (38.0 per 1,000) |
| Fatal accidents since 2008 | 10 | 19 |
| Most common accident | Loss of engine power (partial) | Loss of control on ground |

Report and accident counts are not rates: the hours each model flies are not published. Sources: the FAA aircraft registry, Airworthiness Directives and Service Difficulty Reports, and the NTSB aviation accident database.