New In The BAS Disassembly Hangar October 2nd, 2025

The Beechcraft Baron 58 has long been recognized as one of the most respected light twin-engine aircraft in general aviation, combining speed, reliability, and comfort in a sleek design. Introduced in 1969 as the larger sibling of the Baron 55, the Baron 58 quickly became a favorite among charter operators and private owners thanks to its increased gross weight capacity, powerful Continental IO-520 or IO-550 engines, and a cruise speed of around 200 knots at 7,000 feet. One of its most notable improvements over earlier models was its stretched fuselage, which not only provided more cabin space but also resolved the center of gravity challenges of the smaller Barons. With its club seating arrangement and easier cabin access through double rear doors, the Baron 58 set a new standard for comfort in its class.

The particular Baron 58 that found its way to our disassembly shop has a story marked by nature’s force. Unfortunately, it was caught in a tornado, suffering damage that made it uneconomical to repair and return to the skies. While its flying days may be over, this aircraft still has much to give. Many of its components remain in excellent condition, and through our teardown process, these parts will go on to support and extend the lives of other Barons still flying. This is one of the things we value most about what we do at BAS: ensuring that aircraft like this continue their legacy in a different way, by keeping others airworthy.

From a historical perspective, the Baron 58 has evolved through several notable variants, including the turbocharged 58TC and the pressurized 58P, both of which were capable of even higher performance at altitude. Though those models were discontinued in the mid-1980s, the Baron 58 itself remains in production to this day in its modern G58 form, equipped with advanced avionics and refinements that continue to make it a leader in the light twin category. Our tornado-damaged Baron may not be outfitted with the latest upgrades, but it remains a testament to the strength of Beechcraft’s design and the enduring demand for its components. Its arrival in our hangar is both an ending and a new beginning - one chapter closes, but another opens as its parts find new life in Barons around the world.

Here's what this bird has to offer:

The Mooney M20R Ovation is one of the standout aircraft in the long-running M20 series, introduced in 1994 as a high-performance option for pilots who valued speed, range, and efficiency. Powered by a 280 hp Continental IO-550-G engine, the Ovation was capable of cruise speeds approaching 190 knots while still offering excellent fuel efficiency compared to many competitors. As part of the long-body M20 family, the R-model provided additional cabin comfort and legroom while maintaining the sleek, efficient lines that have made Mooney aircraft easily recognizable for decades. Its reputation for combining performance with practicality helped the Ovation secure a loyal following among serious aviators.

The particular M20R Ovation in our hangar came to us under unusual circumstances. During a flight, the cabin door failed to latch properly and opened midair, creating a significant distraction for the pilot as they approached the runway. While the aircraft remained controllable, the distraction proved critical - on landing, it struck the approach lights, sustaining damage severe enough to warrant its retirement from active flying. Incidents like this are rare, but they serve as a reminder of the importance of both design integrity and pilot workload management during critical phases of flight. Thankfully, the pilot was able to land safely, and the airframe has now found its way into our shop for disassembly.

While its operational life may have ended abruptly, this Mooney M20R continues to hold value in another way. Many of its parts, from the robust Continental engine components to the precision-crafted control surfaces, can still serve operators of Ovations around the world. At BAS, our teardown process ensures that these high-quality components are carefully preserved and made available to keep other aircraft flying strong. In this way, even though this particular Ovation will not return to the skies, its legacy continues - supporting the reliability and longevity of other Mooneys that remain active in the fleet.

Here's what we expect to recover from this aircraft...

The Piper PA-34-220T Seneca V is the modern refinement of Piper’s well-regarded twin-engine design, first introduced in 1971. Known for its counter-rotating Continental engines, the Seneca line has long been appreciated for its forgiving handling and added safety in single-engine scenarios compared to other light twins. The Seneca V, certified in 1996, incorporated aerodynamic refinements such as streamlined engine cowlings, improved cockpit ergonomics, and upgraded turbocharged TSIO-360-RB engines with intercoolers. Capable of carrying a useful load of over 1,100 pounds in typical configurations and operating at a gross takeoff weight of 4,750 pounds, it quickly found success as both a multi-engine trainer and a versatile aircraft for business or personal transportation.

The particular Seneca V that arrived in our hangar has a history shaped by an unfortunate landing incident. A stabilator issue during approach led to a porpoising sequence on touchdown, which ultimately caused the nose gear to collapse under stress. While the airframe sustained significant damage from the event, the incident highlights the importance of the stabilator in maintaining pitch stability - especially in twins where balanced handling is crucial. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported, but the aircraft itself was retired from service due to the extent of its damage.

Even so, this Seneca V still has plenty to contribute through our teardown and disassembly process. Many of its systems, from avionics to powerplant components, remain in excellent condition and will find new life in other aircraft still flying today. By reclaiming these high-value parts, we ensure that this airframe’s story doesn’t simply end at an accident - it transitions into a new role, supporting the reliability and safety of Seneca operators around the world. In that way, even a damaged aircraft like this continues to serve the aviation community.

Here's the short list of the (many) components we'll recover...

The Piper PA-44-180 Seminole has earned its reputation as one of the most widely used multi-engine trainers in the world. Developed from the Piper Cherokee line, the Seminole first took flight in 1976 and entered production in 1979. Its twin Lycoming engines - one rotating clockwise and the other counter-clockwise - eliminate the “critical engine” factor that challenges many light twin designs, making it more forgiving and manageable in single-engine scenarios. With a gross weight of 3,800 pounds, a high-mounted T-tail, and stable handling characteristics, the Seminole became a trusted aircraft for flight schools, where safety and predictability are paramount.

The aircraft in our shop, however, came to us following an unfortunate landing accident. During rollout, the landing gear collapsed, causing the Seminole to settle onto the runway in a gear-up position. While such incidents are dramatic, they are not uncommon among training aircraft, which often endure a higher number of landings and touch-and-go operations than privately owned planes. Fortunately, the collapse resulted in no serious injuries, but the airframe sustained enough structural and mechanical damage to retire it from service.

Although this Seminole will not fly again, it continues to hold considerable value through our disassembly process. Many of its components - engines, avionics, flight controls, and interior parts - remain in serviceable condition and will be salvaged to support other PA-44s around the globe. By recycling and redistributing these parts, we help extend the operational lives of countless other aircraft. In this way, even a training workhorse that has reached the end of its flying career still plays an essential role in keeping aviation moving forward.

If you need Seminole parts and components, this bird has a lot to offer. Such as...

• Lycoming LO-360-A1H6 engine (prop strike) - SOLD
• Lycoming O-360-A1H6 engine (prop strike) - SOLD
• Garmin GNS-430W WAAS GPS/Nav/Com
• Garmin G5 Attitude indicator
• Garmin GNS-430 GPS/Nav/Comm
• Garmin GTX-327 Transponder
• Garmin GMA-340 Audio Panel
• And much more!