4 Beech Sierra Model: Beech Sierra Horsepower: 200 Max Cruise (kts.): 145 Useful Load (lbs.): 1054 Range (nm): 647 Current Used Price: 1973 Beech Sierra B24R, $49,000 The Sierra is definitely the forgotten Beechcraft, the top of the easily forgettable Musketeer line. Smallest of all the Beech retractables, the Sierra was always regarded as something of an oddball by the flying public. In truth, the Beech Mouse trainers were better than their reputation, with more agile handling than the Cherokees or Skyhawks and slightly more comfortable cabins. The Sierra’s role was less well-defined.
The airplane also was the slowest of the 200-hp retractables, capable of only about 130 knots, 15 knots behind the Mooney Executive, 10 slower than the Cessna Cardinal RG and less enthusiastic than even the Piper Arrow 200 or Commander 112. Sierras were two-door airplanes, some were even three-doors, with an optional aft entry. The cabin was 44 inches across up front, seating was 4+2 if you didn’t carry any fuel. Capacity with normal seating was 52 gallons.
Handling qualities were unanimously regarded as better than anything else in the class and the wheels folded outboard, Me-109-style, reinforcing at least the image of a quick-handling machine. Despite its shortcomings, its 200 hp and retractable gear allow it qualify as a “complex” airplane, and you’ll still find Beech quality.
Why It’s Undervalued: The Sierra’s combination of ingredients make it the least expensive airplane in its class today and one of the best built. Sierras produced from 1970 through 1979 are available for $60,000 or less. That makes the Sierra notably less expensive than even the Piper Arrow 200 or Mooney Executive.