Why did the Extra EA-400 fail? Only 27 were built I believe. Was it engine related only? Seems like an awesome design.

It does seem like a compelling design.
Is it similar to PA46 performance? There isn't much in that level of performance like it.

A TP version would be a big seller right now.

Its a homely looking machine, but the concept is cool.
TJ

From what I have read, the design and certification costs drove the company to walk away from the project.

Jim

They developed a turbine version, the EA-500 (see this Wikipedia article).

More about the Extra bankruptcy in the archives at Flying, here.

Well one man's homely is another man's sexy! It reminds me of a single engine MU-2.

I always thought it was cool. Seemed like a very useful design.

I recall reading an article that it was expensive to manufacture and difficult to service/maintain.

I’ve heard that the liquid cooled cylinder heads on the Extra 400 caused many problems due to warping of the cylinders.

It is another very unique engine that had significant problems, which resulted in lost confidence in the airframe.

Butch

I always loved the turbine version. Thought it could be a great seller if it had just been witha company with the strength to market it. It did suffer slightly with the lower thermal efficiency of the old Allison turboprop, but it's also a very easy and economical engine to maintain. Plane wasn't fast at 220kts, but it had great range and was very well equipped.

Last I heard some Chinese owner bought the type certificate. Maybe it will come back one day.

In 2013/2014 there was a lovely EA-400 in Marl (EDLM), pristine condition. D-ETTH if I am not wrong.
But whilst it spent a lot of time outside on the apron, and despite the fact that we were at the airport every day, I never saw it fly.

edit: now in Dinslaken, up for sale:
https://www.aircraft24.fr/singleprop/ex ... 134536.htm

A tenant at my local airport just bought one. Hasn't brought it home yet. Not sure if it will fit in his T-hangar, so it might end up in my common hangar.

From what I could find online it sounds like the composite construction and ergonomic cockpit and cabin are really the only thing it has going for it. Engine (it eats cylinders, a new engine costs upward of $90,000), exhaust system and landing gear are all problematic and expensive. 3 of the 27 or so built have crashed for various reasons.

Once the Piper Malibu/Mirage grabbed the single engine pressurized niche, a new entrant would need some compelling advantage. Just like Cirrus owns the 4 seat cross country single market... how much better would a new plane have to be to win there?

A practical person looks at the Malibu, and the Ea400, and says I’ll take the one with a large, supported fleet and resale market. Same issue with the EA500 and the Meridian.

My landlord just told me it will fit in the new owners T-hangar.

“...Just like Cirrus owns the 4 seat cross country single market... how much better would a new plane have to be to win there?”

I get your point - but if you put me in that position at Beechcraft and the budget department decided to actually lift a finger regarding budget to advance the design, I am sure that Cirrus would not own the 4 seat cross country single market. And that’s without the budget for including any chute.

Just saying I know it’s possible but it requires the leadership and will to do it. Sorry, off topic yes, but it’s possible.