New In The BAS Disassembly Hangar June 30, 2025

Robinson R44 Raven II

The Robinson R44 is a widely recognized four-seat light helicopter developed by the Robinson Helicopter Company. Designed by Frank D. Robinson during the 1980s, the R44 was derived from the two-seat R22 and engineered to provide a more capable and versatile platform for general aviation. It first took to the skies on March 31, 1990, received FAA certification in December 1992, and entered service in early 1993. The helicopter features hydraulically assisted flight controls, a semi-rigid two-bladed main rotor, and a reversed tail rotor direction for improved yaw control. With side-by-side seating for a pilot and three passengers, the R44 was designed for utility, training, and private use. Its popularity has been enduring; since 1999, it has consistently ranked as the best-selling general aviation helicopter in the world, with over 6,800 units built through 2023.

One of the most significant variants of the R44 is the Raven II, introduced in July 2002. This model brought several key improvements over the earlier Raven I, most notably a fuel-injected Lycoming IO-540 engine producing 245 horsepower. The Raven II also featured wider rotor blades, which enabled a higher gross weight and improved high-altitude performance, critical for operations in mountainous or hot environments. With a cruise speed of 109 knots and a range of approximately 300 nautical miles, the Raven II offers a strong balance of speed and endurance. It has proven especially popular among law enforcement agencies, flight schools, and commercial operators seeking dependable piston-engine performance. In 2023, the Raven II also served as the platform for the R550X, an unmanned drone helicopter, showcasing its adaptability.

Beyond its technical merits, the R44 has left a mark on aviation history. In 1997, Jennifer Murray used it to become the first woman to circumnavigate the globe in a helicopter, covering 36,000 miles in 97 days. Its widespread use by flight training institutions, police forces, and private operators reflects its affordability and reliability. Despite some safety concerns in earlier models—such as post-crash fire risks associated with aluminum fuel tanks—the manufacturer addressed these concerns with the introduction of bladder-type fuel tanks and issued retrofit bulletins. Today, the R44 continues to serve a global community of aviators and remains a benchmark in the light helicopter market.

This helicopter was totaled in a rollover incident, but the pilot escaped with only minor injuries. Quite a few components have been sold from this R44 already. However, we will recover a long list of 44 Raven II parts and components, including...

• 1316.9 since 2200 hour overhaul
• Lycoming IO-540-AE1A5, rotor strike, 1316.9 SMOH in 2017
• Garmin GNC-420 P/N 011-00506-10
• Garmin GTX-330 Transponder P/N 011-00455-00
• King KY-196A VHF Comm P/N 064-1054-60
• AA12S-002 Northern Airborne Audio Selector Panel
• Uavionix TailBeacon ADS-B Light
• And much more!

Piper PA-32-301 Saratoga

The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six is a robust and versatile single-engine aircraft that served a wide range of roles from private transport to medevac missions. Built by Piper Aircraft between 1965 and 2007, it was designed as a larger, more powerful variant of the PA-28 Cherokee, featuring fixed landing gear and a high payload capacity. The PA-32 featured spacious interiors and was equipped with a double rear cargo/passenger door and a forward nose baggage compartment—features that made it particularly appealing for bush flying and air taxi services. Its development began with a prototype flight in December 1963, and by 1965, FAA certification was secured for its initial 260-horsepower version.

The PA-32-301, introduced in 1980 and also known as the Piper Saratoga, marked a significant design evolution in the series. This variant retained the six-seat configuration but featured a more modern, tapered wing, which improved handling and aerodynamics over the earlier Cherokee Six models. Powered by a 300-hp Lycoming IO-540-K1G5 engine, the PA-32-301 offered solid performance and reliability. It was later developed into the turbocharged PA-32-301T Turbo Saratoga, which featured a revised cowling and a Lycoming TIO-540-S1AD engine for enhanced high-altitude capability. These Saratoga variants positioned themselves as higher-end offerings, targeting customers who desired more refined performance and comfort.

Over the decades, the PA-32 series saw numerous iterations, each refining the airframe or performance slightly. From the early PA-32-260 and -300 models to the experimental low-drag PA-32-300LD and float-equipped PA-32S-300, Piper continuously adapted the platform for niche markets. The series even led to international variants, such as the Brazilian license-built EMB-720 and EMB-721 series by Embraer. Despite the final fixed-gear Piper 6X and 6XT models ceasing production in 2007 due to low sales, the PA-32’s durability and utility have ensured it remains a beloved workhorse in general aviation circles today.

This Saratoga was damaged in a tornado, leading it to BAS so that we can recover any parts and components worth saving, such as...

• Lycoming IO-540-K1G5
• Dynon Skyview HDX
• 10” display 503273-000-SV-HDX100/A
• Damaged display ($1000)
• ADS-B out Transponder 503417-000-SV-XPNDR-261
• PMA8000BT Audio Panel
• F-4-11 Hartzell Prop Governor
• Electroair Electronic Magneto system
• And more

Piper PA-28-181 Archer

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee is a widely recognized family of light civil utility aircraft designed primarily for flight training, personal use, and air taxi operations. Manufactured by Piper Aircraft since 1961, the PA-28 series includes over 32,000 aircraft built and remains one of the most produced aircraft types in aviation history. It features a low-wing monoplane configuration with all-metal construction, tricycle landing gear, and a single-engine piston setup. The series evolved to include a variety of models powered by engines ranging from 140 to 300 horsepower, offering both fixed-gear and retractable-gear variants. Notably, the Cherokee line was designed to be a simpler, cost-effective alternative to the more complex Piper Comanche, positioning itself competitively against high-wing rivals like the Cessna 172.

Among the notable variants, the PA-28-181 Archer stands out for its blend of capability and comfort. Introduced in the mid-1970s as a refinement of earlier 180 hp models, the Archer II and its successors featured a 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine, a semi-tapered wing for improved aerodynamic performance, and an extended fuselage for added interior space. The Archer III added further refinements, including upgraded avionics and interior updates. Modern iterations, such as the Archer TX and LX, feature the Garmin G1000 NXi suite, while the DX and DLX models utilize diesel engines, which enhance fuel efficiency and range. The PA-28-181 has proven to be a reliable training and touring aircraft and remains in production, highlighting its ongoing popularity and versatility.

The PA-28’s success lies not only in its functional simplicity but also in its adaptability across decades of use and technological shifts. Variants like the turbocharged Arrows, long-range Pathfinders, and heavy-duty Dakotas demonstrate Piper's ability to tailor the airframe to a wide array of mission profiles. The aircraft's straightforward mechanical systems, manageable flight characteristics, and supportive aftermarket make it a staple in flight schools and private fleets worldwide. Whether in its original “Hershey Bar” wing configuration or later tapered wing versions, the PA-28 family maintains a prominent place in general aviation’s evolution.

This airplane was beaten up by prop wash when a larger airplane got too close and flipped the Archer over, leading it to our disassembly hangar. We will recover a great list of Piper Archer parts and components, such as...

• Lycoming O-360-A4M, 246.03 SMOH in 2019 - Non prop struck
• Uavionix Tailbeacon ADS-B Light
• MAC1700 converted King KX-170B Nav/Comm
• King KX-170B Nav Comm P/N 069-1020-00
• King KLN-35A GPS P/N 066-01151-0101
• And lots, and lots, and lots more!@

Follow Us on Social — Because the Stories Don’t End Here: