New In The Aircraft Salvage Hangar - November 5, 2024

Posted by Clinton McJenkin on Nov 5th 2024

Thorp T-211, Bellanca Viking 300, and a Beech B23 Musketeer are in the BAS Disassembly Hangar this week

Welcome to another exciting update from BAS Part Sales! This week, we’re diving into a fascinating group of salvaged aircraft that you don’t encounter every day. From the sleek lines of the Bellanca Viking 300 to the versatility of the Thorp T-211 Thorpedo, and the classic charm of the Beech B23 Musketeer, each of these unique planes has a story to tell. Whether you're an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about the world of aircraft salvage, there’s plenty to discover in this week’s spotlight!

Have a question? Need pictures? Need a part? Need more information or assistance shipping an item? Get in touch...

Call: 970-313-4823

Email: Sales@Baspartsales.Com

Chat: Online or in the BAS Mobile App

Bellanca 17-30 Viking 300

The Bellanca 17-30 Viking, first introduced in 1967, emerged from the Bellanca Cruisair lineage. Downer Aircraft, having acquired the type certificate after the original Bellanca company's closure, developed the Cruisemaster, which evolved into the Viking. The initial 17-30 model was powered by a 300 hp Continental IO-520-K engine. A Lycoming IO-540-powered variant (17-31) followed in 1969, offered in both normally aspirated and turbocharged versions. Subsequent years saw refinements, including the adoption of electric flaps in 1968 and the introduction of the "Super Viking" A-series in 1969, featuring a higher gross weight and several other improvements.

Further modifications and enhancements to the Bellanca Viking continued throughout the 1970s. A simplified fuel system was implemented in 1974, and a redesigned engine mount in 1979 allowed for a fully enclosed nosewheel and a notable speed increase. Production of the Lycoming-powered 17-31A ceased in 1979, but the Continental IO-550 became an available option in 1996. In 2002, a group of Bellanca enthusiasts revived the company, providing technical support and parts to owners. Despite its discontinuation, the Bellanca Viking's design and handling characteristics have garnered significant praise, establishing it as a highly regarded aircraft within the aviation community.

The Bellanca 17-30 Viking, introduced in 1967, was the initial model in the Viking series. Powered by a 300 hp Continental IO-520-K piston engine, it was a four-seat, high-performance, retractable-gear aircraft. This model laid the foundation for the subsequent variants, setting the standard for the aircraft's distinctive flying characteristics and establishing its reputation for excellent handling. The 17-30's design incorporated a single tail, replacing the triple tail of earlier predecessors, while maintaining the large vertical fin that contributed to its exceptional stability and control. Its success led to the development of various versions with different engine options and enhancements, ultimately solidifying the Bellanca Viking's place in aviation history.

This airplane ran off the runway and the owner kept it as a never-ending project. We acquired it in order to disassemble it. Overall, it is in generally good condition considering. We expect to recover a fantastic list of goodies from this aircraft.

Cessna 421B Golden Eagle aircraft salvage

Cessna 421B Golden Eagle wing aircraft salvage

Cessna 421B Golden Eagle surfaces being prepared for sale from BAS Part Sales

Cessna 421B Golden Eagle props in the disassembly process at BAS Part Sales

Wrecked Cessna 421B Golden Eagle in the aircraft salvage hangar at BAS Part Sales

Thorp T-211

The Thorp T-211's history begins with its design by John Thorp in the US in 1945. It's a low-wing monoplane with a fixed tricycle undercarriage and a sliding canopy, incorporating lessons from Thorp's Lockheed Little Dipper project work. Eight prototypes were built, and the design was FAA-certified, but initial attempts to establish it in the competitive post-war market (dominated by Cessna) proved unsuccessful. The original prototypes utilized a 65 hp Lycoming engine, and notable features included an all-movable horizontal stabilizer and externally ribbed wings.

Despite initial setbacks, the T-211 project saw a resurgence. In the 1970s, following the homebuilding boom, Adams Industries and Thorp Aero subsequently acquired the aircraft rights. Thorp Aero produced five examples, marketed as the Thorp Arrow or T-211 Aero Sport. However, due to liability laws, sales were limited to overseas markets and Part 141 operations. AD Aerospace later undertook kit production in the United Kingdom and Venture Light Aircraft in the United States.

The T-211's story continues with IndUS Aviation's production in India. In the mid-2000s, the aircraft was launched as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), becoming the first US-designed LSA to receive FAA certification. A notable evolution involves the engine options: initially, a 65 hp Lycoming was used, then a 90 hp Continental, and later models offered a 100 hp Continental O-200 or a 120 hp Jabiru 3300. The aircraft remained in production as a kit well into the 2010s.

This little bird had a nose gear issue in flight and was forced to land without its nose gear, causing a prop strike.

Thorpe T-18 Tiger aircraft salvage at BAS Part Sales

Thorpe T-18 Tiger wings in the aircraft salvage hangar

Beechcraft B23 Musketeer

The Beechcraft Musketeer, a family of single-engine, low-wing light aircraft, entered production in 1963 and continued until 1983. The initial model, the Model 23, was introduced at a price of $13,300, powered by a Lycoming O-320-D2B engine. Subsequent versions saw engine changes, with the Continental IO-346-A proving unsuccessful and being replaced by the Lycoming O-360-A4J. Variations included the Custom and Sundowner models, along with the higher-powered Super III and the retractable-gear Sierra. The Musketeer line encompassed several models, including the Sport, which was introduced later as a lower-powered trainer version despite a lower model number. A total of 4,366 Musketeers were built over the two decades of production.

The Model 23-24 Musketeer Super III, introduced alongside the Model 19 Sport, featured a more powerful Lycoming IO-360 engine producing 200 bhp. This model, initially priced at $16,350, offered improved performance. Approximately one-third of production aircraft were delivered with a constant-speed propeller. The Super III's design included a simple heat distribution system, a weakness addressed in later models with improved ducting. The fixed-gear Model 23-24 was produced between 1966 and 1969, succeeded by the Model 24 Sierra. The Sierra, featuring retractable landing gear, enhanced the advantages of the more powerful engine and saw further refinements in subsequent years, including the introduction of the improved B24R and C24R models with increased speed and aerodynamic efficiency.

The Musketeer's legacy extends beyond its civilian success. The Canadian Armed Forces utilized the aircraft, initially with the B23 Musketeer and later with the C23 Sundowner, designated as the CT-134 and CT-134A, respectively. Further development of the Musketeer design culminated in the Beechcraft Model 76 Duchess, a twin-engine aircraft. Though production ceased in 1983, the Musketeer remains a significant aircraft in aviation history, appreciated for its versatility and role as a popular trainer aircraft for many flying schools.

The Beechcraft B23 Musketeer Custom, introduced in 1968, marked a significant step in the Musketeer line. This variant incorporated the Lycoming O-360-A4J engine, boosting power to 180 bhp (130 kW), a considerable increase over previous models. When properly equipped, it received approval for limited aerobatics. The B23 represented a refined iteration of the Musketeer design, showcasing improvements in power and performance, making it a desirable choice for pilots seeking enhanced capabilities within the light aircraft category.

This airplane fell out of annual for too long, and the cost of getting it airworthy again was too much for the prior owner to invest in. It will make a great parts plane, and it will live on keeping the Musketeer fleet in the air for years to come.

Wrecked Maule MT-7 airplane at BAS Part Sales

Maule MT-7 aircraft salvage at BAS Part Sales

Reach out and let us know how we can help you get back in the air. 97% of the time, we will ship the same day you order, and on international orders, too - Learn More. Our sales team is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time. The website is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Have a question? Need pictures? Need a part? Need more information or assistance shipping an item? Get in touch...

Call: 970-313-4823

Email: Sales@Baspartsales.Com

Chat: Online or in the BAS Mobile App

Unrivaled Customer Service: Experience exceptional customer service and get the right parts the first time at affordable prices with one phone call or email to the world leader in aircraft salvage, BAS Part Sales.

90-Day Money Back Guarantee: Guaranteed to work and pass your inspection or your money back. We have the best guarantee in the industry, hands down! Our guarantee has some limitations as we do not accept returns on anything marked CORE, on any fuselage, or any item marked "No Returns Accepted".

Shipping: Our team is ready to get you the best shipping rates possible on every order...and thousands of parts get $5 Flat-Rate US shipping when you buy online. We can quickly combine shipping for multiple items or large items. If you need more information or a specific quote on shipping, get in touch with the BAS team today.

International Buyers: We can ship nearly any part to nearly any destination on Earth. On a daily basis we export aircraft parts to destinations around the world. Some countries have laws and regulations that impact international orders, so get in touch with the BAS Sales Team for answers and details about your international shipping needs.

Clinton McJenkin

Sales & Marketing Director

BAS Part Sales

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Bellanca 17-30 Viking 300

Thorp T-211

Beechcraft B23 Musketeer

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