single piston

Beechcraft Musketeer / Sundowner (C23)

Lycoming O-360-A4G / O-360-A4K, 180 hp

Beechcraft Sundowner on the ramp
Photo: Eric Friedebach via Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 .
Typical cost/hr
$185.34
Fuel @ 65%
9 gph
Engine TBO
2000 hr
Overhaul
$25,000–$38,000

The Beechcraft Sundowner C23 is the four-seat Beech trainer. Production ran from 1963 to 1983 under various model designations (Musketeer, Sport, Custom, Sundowner). The C23 Sundowner is the most common variant in the used market and uses a Lycoming O-360-A4G or A4K at 180 horsepower with fixed tricycle gear. Beech positioned the Sundowner as a more refined alternative to the Cessna 172 and Cherokee 180 in the entry-level four-seat market. The result was an airplane with Beech build quality at moderate cost.

Used market prices in mid-2026 run $55,000 to $115,000 for flyable Sundowner C23s depending on engine status, panel condition, and airframe history. The Sundowner trades at comparable acquisition cost to the Cherokee 180 and slightly less than a 172 of similar vintage. American Bonanza Society covers the Sundowner alongside the larger Beech aircraft. This page covers what a Sundowner actually costs to own.

History

Beech introduced the Musketeer in 1963 as a clean-sheet four-seat single designed for the training and personal-use market. The original Musketeer (Model 23) had a Lycoming O-320 at 160 hp. Production evolved through various model names: Musketeer Sport (160 hp), Custom (165 hp), Super (180 hp), and the Sundowner (180 hp standardized C23 in 1973). Beech also produced the Sierra (C24R) as the retractable-gear variant.

Production ran from 1963 to 1983 with steady iterations on engines, interior, and equipment. The C23 Sundowner became the volume four-seat fixed-gear Beech in the 1970s and early 1980s. Beech positioned the airplane as more refined than the Cessna 172 or Cherokee 180, with quieter cabin, more substantial construction, and Beech build quality. The trade-off was higher acquisition cost than the volume Cessna and Piper alternatives.

Beech ended Sundowner production in 1983 due to product-liability costs that affected the entire light-aircraft industry. The line was not restarted when Beech consolidated production around the Bonanza family. Total C23 Sundowner production was about 2,000 aircraft. The fleet has remained popular with Beech enthusiasts who specifically want the build quality and handling of a Beech four-seat at lower acquisition cost than a Bonanza. American Bonanza Society provides type-club support.

Variants

Beechcraft Sundowner C23 (1973-1983)

1973-1983
Lycoming O-360-A4G or O-360-A4K, 180 hp

Standardized 180 hp Sundowner. Volume variant. Used market $55,000 to $115,000.

Performance

The Sundowner cruises at about 115 KTAS at 75% power, burning 9 to 10 gph of 100LL. At long-range cruise (65%), the airplane drops to about 108 KTAS on 7.5 to 8 gph. The Sundowner is roughly comparable to a Cessna 172 in cruise speed at slightly higher fuel burn due to the heavier airframe. The Cherokee 180 with the same O-360 engine cruises about 2 to 4 knots faster than the Sundowner due to lower drag.

Useful load on a Sundowner is about 900 to 950 pounds. Full fuel (57 gallons usable) leaves about 550 to 600 pounds for people and bags. Two adults plus full bags or four adults plus minimal bags fits within gross with careful loading. The Sundowner cabin is comfortable but the airplane carries less than the same-engine Cherokee 180 due to the heavier airframe. Range with reserves is about 600 nm at long-range cruise.

Powerplant

The Lycoming O-360-A4G or O-360-A4K is the engine on the C23 Sundowner. Four-cylinder, horizontally opposed, direct-drive, carbureted piston rated at 180 hp at 2,700 RPM. Lycoming's published TBO is 2,000 hours per Lycoming Service Instruction 1009 BE. The O-360 is one of the most-produced Lycoming engines.

Field overhauls at Penn Yan, Gann Aviation, or other reputable Lycoming shops run $30,000 to $42,000 in 2026 prices. The O-360 is among the cheapest four-cylinder Lycomings to overhaul. Parts and shop support are universal.

Oil consumption on a healthy O-360 runs about 0.15 to 0.25 quarts per hour. The engine reaches TBO routinely when operated regularly. The Sensenich fixed-pitch metal propeller standard on the Sundowner has no formal TBO (on-condition inspection). Carbureted ignition and fuel system are well-understood by every Lycoming shop.

Cost of ownership

Plan on $135 to $185 per flight hour at 100 hours a year of utilization, all-in. The Sundowner's operating economics are comparable to a Cherokee 180. Fuel and oil run about $50 to $66 per hour at 9 gph and $5.50 to $7 for 100LL. Engine overhaul reserve is $15 to $21 per hour. Airframe maintenance reserve is $12 to $22 per hour, slightly higher than a Cherokee 180 due to Beech parts pricing.

Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add another $35 to $65 per hour at 100 hours a year of utilization. Insurance on the Sundowner is moderate. First-time owners pay $1,800 to $3,500 a year typically.

Acquisition cost in mid-2026: A Sundowner with mid-time engine and steam-gauge panel runs $55,000 to $80,000. A Sundowner with fresh engine and modern Garmin panel runs $80,000 to $115,000. The Sundowner trades at modestly higher acquisition cost than comparable Cherokee 180s due to Beech build quality reputation.

American Bonanza Society covers the Sundowner. Annual dues run about $80. The Sundowner has accumulated 60+ years of fleet experience and most maintenance questions benefit from ABS consultation.

Fixed cost Range Frequency
Hangar (smaller field)
 $200–$450 monthly
Annual inspection (standard)
 $1,500–$3,500 annual
Insurance (typical owner)
 $1,800–$3,500 annual
American Bonanza Society dues
 $65–$80 annual

Estimate the cost for your situation

Defaults are pre-filled for the Beechcraft Musketeer / Sundowner (C23). Tweak fuel price, hangar, insurance, and hours to match your scenario.

Your cost per hour
$185.34
Beechcraft Musketeer / Sundowner (C23) · Lycoming O-360-A4G / O-360-A4K, 180 hp
100 hrs/yr · 65% cruise
Per month
$1,544
Per year
$18,534
Cruise power
Pre-populated values are sourced estimates. Verify with the POH and a current quote before buying.

Common issues & gotchas

Aging airframe corrosion

moderate

1973-1983 production aircraft are 42 to 52 years old. Wing spar carry-through and tail attach corrosion documented in fleet. Pre-buy inspection essential.

Beech parts pricing

moderate

Beech parts have historically traded at higher prices than comparable Piper or Cessna parts. Plan on slightly higher annual maintenance cost than equivalent Pipers.

Carburetor service

moderate

Carbureted O-360 can develop carb-heat and float issues with age. Service every 1,000 to 1,500 hours at $1,000 to $2,500.

Original avionics generation

moderate

Most Sundowners panel-upgraded. Pre-buy inspection essential.

Fuel tank leaks

moderate

Bladder fuel tanks on some Sundowners can develop leaks with age. Replacement runs $2,500 to $5,500 depending on scope.

Cabin door alignment

low

Beech cabin doors can develop alignment issues with age. Seals, latches, hinges need periodic attention.

Who it's for

Good fit for

  • ✓ Buyers who specifically want Beech build quality in a four-seat trainer
  • ✓ Pilots cross-shopping a Cherokee 180 or Cessna 172 who prefer Beech handling
  • ✓ Partnership groups looking for a moderately-priced four-seat Beech
  • ✓ Owners who plan to step up eventually to a Bonanza (handling carryover)

Less good for

  • ✗ Buyers who want maximum performance for the price (Cherokee 180 or 172 deliver more)
  • ✗ Pilots who need fast cross-country (the Sundowner is slow even by 172 standards)
  • ✗ Owners cross-shopping a Beech Sierra C24R for retractable performance

The verdict

The Beechcraft Sundowner C23 is the Beech four-seat trainer. Build quality is meaningfully better than comparable Pipers or Cessnas of the same era. Handling is what Beech enthusiasts love. The Lycoming O-360 is reliable and well-supported. For buyers who specifically want a four-seat Beech at moderate cost, the Sundowner is the right answer.

But the Sundowner is the slowest of the Lycoming O-360-powered four-seat singles in production history. The Cherokee 180 is faster on the same engine. The 172 has stronger parts support and easier resale. The Sundowner wins on Beech build quality. It loses on outright performance and parts depth. Pick based on whether the Beech badge and handling matter more than practical economics.

Cross-shop these

Type club

American Bonanza Society →

ABS covers the Sundowner alongside Bonanza and Baron. Annual dues run about $80. Sundowner-specific technical knowledge available through ABS.

Frequently asked

How much does a Beechcraft Sundowner cost? +

Used market in mid-2026: $55,000 to $80,000 for a Sundowner with mid-time engine, $80,000 to $115,000 for aircraft with fresh engines and modern Garmin panels.

What's the typical fuel burn for a Sundowner? +

About 9 to 10 gph of 100LL at 75% cruise, 7.5 to 8 gph at long-range cruise.

Sundowner vs Cherokee 180: which should I buy? +

Same Lycoming O-360 engine in both. The Cherokee 180 cruises 2 to 4 knots faster and has more useful load. The Sundowner has Beech build quality and slightly more refined cabin. Pricing is comparable. Pick based on cockpit preference and which fleet support matters more.

Is the Sundowner a good first airplane? +

Yes for buyers who specifically want a four-seat Beech. The Sundowner is friendly to fly, easy to insure, and well-supported by ABS. The main consideration is that Beech parts pricing runs slightly higher than Piper or Cessna alternatives.

What's the engine overhaul cost on a Sundowner? +

Plan on $30,000 to $42,000 for a Lycoming O-360 field overhaul. Same as a Cherokee 180 or Cessna 172N.

Is the Sundowner still supported by Textron? +

Yes. Textron continues to provide parts and technical support for the Beech 23 family. Parts depth is thinner than for current-production Beech aircraft but adequate for routine maintenance. ABS provides type-specific support.

Data sources