Hurricane Irma

[Andy95W]

If that's truly all the damage and there isn't anything structural where the wing meets the fuselage, I think that's probably repairable.  

Maybe suggest to your insurance company to contact Joey Cole's shop in Dalton, GA for an estimate and a more detailed inspection of the structure and for any additional damage.  The problem may be with how remote the aircraft's location is.

[Jeff_S]

Thanks, there are so many little turf strips around, I’d never heard of that one. 1800’ of grass would normally be plenty for a J but there may have been some squirrelly winds that day. Sorry to hear about the incident...best of luck with reparations!

[M20F-1968]

You should give Beegle's Aircraft a call.  They have been doing structural repairs since the 1950's and are truly one of the best shops out there.

You will be impressed.  On top of that, they run an honest business and know to watch out for the owner's interests.  Excellent workmanship.

John Breda

[flyboy0681]

My partners and I are a long way from selecting a shop. Everything rides on what the insurance company decides and I imagine that will be weeks away.

[Piloto]

As per Google Map the strip length is about 2,800 ft. There are trees at each end that make it difficult a low approach thus touching down way pass the approach end. Raising the flaps and cutting power just after passing the trees helps on an earlier touchdown. Had the same situation landing on Mona Island.

José

[Raptor05121]

Damn sorry to read about the damaged aircraft. The pictures look promising. Maybe the value is high enough it'll be cheaper to swap wings?

 

[flyboy0681]

Just now, Raptor05121 said:

Damn sorry to read about the damaged aircraft. The pictures look promising. Maybe the value is high enough it'll be cheaper to swap wings?

 

Here's to hoping.

[Raptor05121]

Here are a couple of pictures from my end. The eye came right over us, north to south. Winds never exceeded 60mph but it sure caused a ruckus with trees and powerlines.

 

This house just had a new roof and windows installed. I believe the parents passed away and the son just started fixing it up:

 

This is damage from home. My grandpa's garage which houses his 1939 Luscombe 8A inside. Hasn't flown in 30 years, I've always had dreams of restoring it. Part of the roof and both doors were blown off. No (additional) damage to the fabric wings from what we can tell:

[flyboy0681]

Just now, bluehighwayflyer said:

Well, that looks like at least the two outer skins on each wing and maybe an aileron or two and a couple of ribs and stringers, too, but if the spar isn't damaged I think that damage is economically repairable given your hull value. N1161Z will fly again!  

Jim

 

From your lips to God's ears..

[82Mike]

This is 7 miles from my house 

[BKlott]

We were among the lucky ones down here. Lost power for about 36 hours while there are millions without,, some of whom have been told that they may not have their power restored for another 10-12 days! No property damage other than a big pile of tree branches to deal with. Same at my Mom's place where my wife and I spent last night (Mom had power).

My airplane was fine at Hidden Lake FA40. The only damage I saw at the airport was one (1) downed tree in the grass behind a row of hangars. I feel for those who have suffered damage to theirs.

 

[Raptor05121]

I think its safe to say while Irma was a powerhouse of a storm for Florida, we did well as a nation. We had advanced warning, we were prepped and ready, those who needed to evac did so, and comparatively, the death toll was not as bad as it could have been.

I just hope those in the Lower Antilles who got the Cat 5 force have proper support from our and their own respective governments.

[bradp]

Well - there's the Alan Fox method for transport. If the wing is beyond structural repair, saw off the wings with a sawzall (fuel safety considerations aside): you could probably salvage your wingtips/etc, gear, cut the wings outboard to the gear and get the thing onto a flatbed to meet her new wings.

When I had my hail claim the process was that I obtained estimates for repairs prior to a "total" decision being made by the insurance company.  I have old republic through Falcon and both companies are great to work with, btw. 

Also note when your policy renewal date is ... if you need to renew while a claim is open that will be very difficult. Your current underwriter will likely be your company for your next year policy.  

[yvesg]

5 hours ago, Raptor05121 said:

I think its safe to say while Irma was a powerhouse of a storm for Florida, we did well as a nation. We had advanced warning, we were prepped and ready, those who needed to evac did so, and comparatively, the death toll was not as bad as it could have been.

I just hope those in the Lower Antilles who got the Cat 5 force have proper support from our and their own respective governments.

There are lots of Canadian travellers that are "very" upset because it took some time from our government to get things arranged for retrieval. My opinion is that this is hurricane season: people took a risk which materialized. I would never plan a trip in the lower Antilles this time of the year unless I provide my own transportation and can control my destiny.

Yves

[steingar]

22 hours ago, flyboy0681 said:

Here are some pictures

 

 

I land occluded 3K strips all the time, I take it all back.  And I get to be the first to say it:

 

 

 

That'll buff right  out.

[LANCECASPER]

There are a few good shops, Beegle's probably being the foremost, who could repair and re-skin those areas. It won't be cheap but it won't be totaled.

[flyboy0681]

I truly appreciate all of the positive support that you guys have given me. My initial thoughts when the pictures started coming in was a total loss, and depending on what the insurance company says it may be, but at least I have a glimmer of hope until that moment.

[Raptor05121]

There is a Mooney pilot/IA down in Leesburg who bought a M20E and just pulled the wing and is reskinning the entire thing. Granted he owns the shop so his costs are much lower, but he said his team of mechanics were at 180 hours of labor so far with this. It is looking more and more promising. I hope the insurance decides in your favor, whichever it is

 

[RLCarter]

he did put the cabin between the trees and let the wings absorb the energy, and walk away

[Culver LFA]

Hi everyone,

I have a pastor friend in Sebring that is trying to help his local community, my Mooney is down so I was trying to find another airplane to make a supply run down there.  He just responded that he really needs fuel for generators to keep food cold/frozen. Does anyone have a trailer/mobile fuel tank in the area that would be willing to loan it to him for the next 7-10 days until power is restored?  I'd be happy to reimburse for the fuel that is used.

Thank you,

Joe

[fantom]

My power just came back last night, and clean water is back this morning. So sorry to hear about 61Z, Mike. A Mooney that flew as well as it looked. I have a feeling from everything you've said, that she will fly again, hopefully with you at the controls.

Ft. Lauderdale did OK in most places. Lots of trees down and landscaping in tatters. 5 days without power was easy compared to the 14 days without power after Wilma. This time I didn't have a Mooney to worry about.  Back to clean-up, both outside and inside.

I trust you are the partner handling the insurance claim, Mike. Good luck!!!

 

[fantom]

If a new wing is in your future, see what the factory will charge you. A salvage wing will, I think, carry the sigma of a salvage title.

[jetdriven]

On 9/13/2017 at 12:29 PM, RLCarter said:

he did put the cabin between the trees and let the wings absorb the energy, and walk away

I think he was an occupant at that point, not aiming between trees. 

[flyboy0681]

On 9/15/2017 at 2:25 PM, fantom said:

If a new wing is in your future, see what the factory will charge you. A salvage wing will, I think, carry the sigma of a salvage title.

New factory wing is $90k.

[fantom]

New factory wing is $90k.

WOW.......and we wonder why the factory isn't a thriving business.

Have you turned the plane over to anyone yet?