hammdo

It’s all up in the ‘air’. No real good solutions as the insurance will obviously try to keep payout low as possible - if I fix it. I’m going to contact the aviation lawyer on Monday to see what my options are. I’m not a quitter - this is a very ‘trying’ situation when looking for the best outcome. The lien really puts a monkey wrench in things... -Don

As soon as I know they are for sure fixing it, I’m ordering them. Already have the $ for them ;o). It was actually next on the list with the dual fuel gauge... -Don

Really appreciate that. Me too...

Well, strange set of events... I have 30 days from pickup to notify the insurance of improvements and hull increase (with all the upgrades, I'm moving to $45k). Since I picked up the plane last week, doing that now. Second, the claims adjuster is now looking into repairing the plane. This is really due to the existing lien and what it would take to clear it. It's been a roller-coaster. Still waiting to find out if they've moved the plane... -Don

Still waiting... now I have to find out if they’ll cover the avionics since I just got the plane back that day - after fixing An issue with the avionics and the new items installed. Didn’t even have a chance to call to get them added to the insurance yet. Not sure how that works out... Sent a note to my broker to find out... didn’t have the plane but about 30 minutes with all the new stuff working... -Don

Ah, ok. That one! Yeah, Bank on the checklist ;o) -Don

True but, ADS-B is going to be required for DFW, that adds 2k to the cost, plus pre purchase inspection as necessary, flight out there... Little things start adding up.. -Don

Believe me, I’m looking @ that hard but, need to settle mine first.... She is a bit far from Texas (I’m still waiting on my medical) and looks like she’ll need avionics... ADSB for sure if it’s not on her already - before a cross country trip... -Don

I’ve done both: bought a warrior years ago, flew it until rebuild time — pulled fuel tanks, interior, AP next to my hanger rebuilt the engine etc. flew it 2 years after that and sold it. Bought a Velocity SUV kit to build - all the was left was hang the engine and install avionics— sold it due to the financial crisis in 08. This time I wanted a flyer that needed a little bit of work - avionics mostly but not past what it was worth - well folks know how that finally ended. Now I’m wanting another flyer so I can fly — don’t want a builder anymore - maybe a avionics upgrade but not much else... I’m lucky there is a Mooney for rent around here -Don

-Don

Yep, that is what we did, several times we attempted the restart. I’m not sure how soon I’d find out. Was purring along like a kitten then just simply stopped — no hesitations, no rough running, no burbles, just stopped running - smoothly I might add - kinda felt like pulling the mixture full lean to shutdown - That’s the best way I can describe it. Quickly after she stopped (well, just after I said ‘What the heck just happened’ and a second of disbelief) I pushed all controls full forward, then we attempted to do restarts. After that things happened really fast... I can tell you it was a very sinking feeling - no pun intended... -Don

Insurance is getting it moved. They work with Texas Air Salvage. I contacted the lien holder to get it taken care of. I’ll search for those threads though. I do have AOPA legal services so may use that to help. Don't think this one could be flown out - when we rotated the prop, starter was still engaged and didn’t feel any compression. That could have been due to the limited movement... Pretty sad situation but, I’ll give it time before I look for another plane. Right now, I need to get past the medical. After that then I’ll decide once insurance is done. This one was a really good deal - or so I thought ;o)... -Don

While I’m dealing with all of this, decided to get my IFR ticket. Probably will use Zulu Aviation’s F as it does have a Garmin 430W and IFR goods. I really like the Mooney — more now after seeing how strong they are. Don’t want to lose sight of my goals so, this seems a logical step while I’m waiting for my medical and outcome of the insurance claim. I had budgeted 50 hrs a year with my plane and break even in 4 years of ownership but, that is gone. IFR equipment was set for about that timeframe so... Just moved up the timeframe... Folks who pay cash for your plane? Do a title search and make that part of your purchase agreement... -Don

My AP/IA said it would be a crapshoot. By the time I had the plane inspected and torn down, if the crank was cracked - ouch. What I’ll get vs buyback and fix he felt was not worth it. I wanted to fix it but it doesn’t seem like a good investment plus, to insure it again may just make it unreasonable... Engine and prop would probably be 35k alone... also don’t know the underlying damage too — firewall etc... I’d probably have to fork out another 30k above what insurance would give — that would but me into an F or good E... It breaks my heart but, I have to move on — probably rent for a while until the right plane comes along again. Probably will save up more so I can get an E or F... -Don

Totaled... and to beat me up more, has a lien on it I didn’t know... been on it the last 11 years. Don’t know if the company is even in business... -Don

I did both on mine. Super clear great fit from Lake Aero: -Don

Thanks! Just so folks see what I had done 'before' the off-airport landing: Beautiful Smoked UV SC Lake Aero Windshields that fit perfect: Other side with new OAT/Carb Temp gauge: Down and up lock blocks: Was a great day to fly too -- haze was a bit much but still was very excited about flying... -Don

After being away from flying for 20 years and just starting to flying again, buying and updating a very nice plane, then shi* happens. It just goes to show, even with all the ‘proper’ steps/maintenance, some things are just gonna happen. All things considered, it was a great outcome. The Mooney is one tough bird! -Don

I said a lot more than that - after we got out of the plane — but to myself ;o) -Don

Lol.. Yep, never had a doubt we'd land and be ok - was concerned about the ruts in the empty corn field. Those were crazy. The one that collapsed the nose gear was deep. If that was not there... Hine-sight is 20/20... -Don

Just a few of my photos... -Don

I hope so! Tail hit just a little bit from the bounce. Time will tell I guess... -Don

No shoulder belts but we had excellent speed control. If it was not for that birm, we would have been on all 3 instead of 2. -Don

Insurance will let me know... They may but I'm not sure. Right now, just waiting for the FAA folks to get here... Engine just quit.. Attempted restart.. Picked a field.. Thank God for Texas and all the open fields.. Plane is south of here... 33.138096,-96.201238 -Don