jimbob

HiYa! I have 1964 Mooney M20E that suffered a gear-up landing. I'm certain that I'm not the only one having this problem... there are a lot of Mooneys that suffered gear-up landing damage. I was lucky, the only thing damaged (other than the $55k worth of prop and engine!) were the skins under the cockpit. The problem is that there are NOT a lot (any that I can find) of salvaged Mooneys that didn't suffer a gear-up landing. Lasar offers a fiberglass skin that replaces all the panels but... they are not currently making them and I've been on the waiting list for 2 years now. Looks like I need to buy another Mooney M20E with an engine and prop that are close to used-up and start flying that plane. The problem here is I can't find anyone who wants to buy the airframe and I don't have room in my hangar for 2 planes. Ideas, suggestions, recommendations are welcomed! Thanks! ps Why is the image upside down? HMMMMMmmmmm...

HA! Good answer! My A&P might get a little excited...

Much as it pains me my 1964 Mooney M20e was subjected to a gear up landing. Remarkably little damage (aside from the engine and prop thing) most of which looks like simple replacement of belly panels... perhaps the Lasar skid plate would be good for that? My biggest concern is that, although the wings and flaps were untouched (a beautiful, straight, middle of runway landing... aside from the gear being up) the port side, inboard flap hinge was ground down (see pictures below.) Although I have a complete parts manual on the airplane, I'm not exactly sure what the shape of that entire piece is or how it is attached to the airframe. Any suggestions, related war stories or helpful hints would be appreciated. Thanks! Before: After: The hinge: