The four-place Piper Twin Stinson of 1952 was of steel-tube construction with fabric-covered fuselage and outer wing panels, and tricycle gear. Forerunner of Apache was acquired in a partial merger of companies in 1952.
First flying on 2 March 1952, N1953A c/n 23-01 flight tests at Piper revealed engine cooling problems— it was underpowered and suffered in single-engine handling as well—so 150hp Lycomings were installed with full-feathering props. The original twin tail was replaced by a single tail from a PA-6 and other features were modified to bring up prototype PA-23.
Engines: two 125hp Lycoming 0-290-D
Wingspan: 37’3″
Length: 31’2″
Seats: 4
All Aero 