The Piper Cheyenne is a family of turboprop aircraft that was first introduced in 1976 by the American aircraft manufacturer Piper Aircraft. The aircraft was designed to provide a balance between cost and performance, and was specifically intended to compete with the Beechcraft King Air models. It was the first light turbine-powered airplane to be produced by Piper and was initially available in two models, the Cheyenne I and the Cheyenne II.

The Cheyenne was designed to offer improved performance and greater range than the company’s previous piston-engine aircraft. It was the first aircraft from Piper to feature a pressurized cabin, and it also featured two Garrett TPE331 turboprop engines. The Cheyenne was designed with a maximum speed of 290 knots and a range of 1,200 nautical miles. The aircraft also featured advanced avionics and a cabin with seating for up to eight passengers.

The Cheyenne was designed as a response to the increasing demand for a turboprop aircraft that could compete with the Beechcraft King Air models. Piper had previously offered its Navajo and Twin Comanche aircraft, but they lacked the range and performance of the King Airs. The Cheyenne was intended to fill the gap in the market and provide customers with a more efficient and cost-effective option.

Since its introduction, the Piper Cheyenne has become a popular aircraft with both private and commercial operators. It is used for a variety of applications, including air taxi, cargo transport, corporate travel, and commuter airline operations. The aircraft is still in production today and is used by a variety of airlines around the world.

Over the years, the Piper Cheyenne has had its fair share of safety issues. In 1989, a Cheyenne crashed in the United Kingdom due to a fuel system failure, resulting in the deaths of all four passengers and crew members. In 1997, a Cheyenne crashed in Canada while attempting to land in poor visibility, killing all five passengers and crew members. In both cases, the aircraft was found to have been in compliance with all regulations and requirements. Despite these incidents, the Piper Cheyenne has demonstrated an overall excellent safety record.

Overall, the Piper Cheyenne has been a popular and successful aircraft since its introduction in 1976. It has proven to be a reliable and efficient aircraft for both private and commercial operations, and has become a staple of the aviation industry. Although it has faced some safety issues in the past, the Cheyenne has proven to be a safe and reliable aircraft.