The Model 38P (Pressurized) (also known as the model PD.336) was created during 1981 by installing a Garrett AiResearch TPE-331-9 engine in the nose of a Beechcraft Baron 58P fuselage, which was mated to a Beechcraft B36TC Bonanza wing in place of the Baron’s wing with two engines. This resulted in a low-wing aircraft with six seats including the pilot’s.
The aircraft, registered N336BA c/no EJ-1, flew for the first time on June 14, 1982, piloted by Lou Johansen. After 133 flights over almost 18 months the aircraft was temporarily grounded so that the TPE331 could be removed and a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-40 engine fitted in its place.
A total of 133 flights were logged and the last flight of the Model 38P was made on 14 November 1983. The PD 336 prototype was also fitted with a 630shp UACL PT6A-40 powerplant and was flown by Lou Johansen on 9 March 1984. This aircraft logged 68 flights before the last flight was made on 8 August.
Beechcraft originally planned to put the Lightning into production but the economic downturn among general aviation manufacturers in the United States in the 1980s led to the project being shelved shortly after the first flight with PT6A power.
Three variants were expected to be offered to customers: the Model 38P powered by a PT6A-40, the Model 38P-1 powered by a PT6A-116 and the Model 38P-2 powered by a TPE-331-9. In spite of 75 letters of intent, Beech announced during the summer of 1984 that further development work on the Model 38P Lightning was being suspended because of poor market conditions and purchase deposits collected were returned.
Advertised for sale in August 2019 was Lightning N241FS S.N.: RB-01, for $590,000.
Lightning N241FS was reported as powered by a Walters Diemech 601 EXP Turboprop with an Avia Five Bladed, full feathering/reverse prop. This Lightning was manufactured and certified in 2006. Climb rates were 2,000 fpm which it can maintain into the flight levels. High speed cruise is 241 kts, thus the N number of N241FS (for “fast ship”). Normal cruise is 220-230 kts TAS depending on density altitude. Cruise fuel flows are 40-45 gph depending on altitude. A cruise prop setting of 1850 makes for a very quiet cabin. Useful load is 2500 lbs. With full fuel, you can put over 1300 lbs in the cabin. Useful Load: 2500 lbs. Takeoff and landing ground roll is typically 1000-1500′ depending on weight and density altitudes. This is a full feathering and reverse prop which saves on the brakes on short runways. It was currently flying and at last count, had a little over 150 hrs total time.
Model 38 P
Engine: 1 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-40 turboprop, 550–650 shp (410–480 kW)
Wingspan: 37 ft 10 in (11.53 m)
Length: 29 ft 11 in (9.12 m)
Height: 9 ft 2 in
Wing area: 188.1 sq.ft
Loaded weight: 5800 lb
Max speed: 316 mph (509 km/h, 275 kn)
Cruise 20,000ft: 279 mph
Cruise 25,000ft: 238 mph
Range normal: 1075 mi
Rang eco: 1285 mi
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
Crew: 1
Capacity: 5 passengers
All Aero 