888DF Missile

[TWinter]

I've been talking with a broker (friend of the seller) about this Missile. While I was looking and waiting to close on my Comanche it sold before I was ready. Last night I got a call and it's available now again. Long story about why that previous deal went south and between the seller and him, but it was only partially based on a few squawks found at last weeks pre-buy and the buyer/seller couldn't agree on a modified price. I've done my due diligence at looking at the logs and basic internet homework/research (actually tagged me to MS posts from years ago..who would guess.(lol).  I think the broker is a MSer or was so I'll be very politicly correct and certainly don't want feathers ruffled. I'm not sure how regular or active, but I know I'm still sticking my head in once in pretty regular and touching base and keeping up to Mooney Speed. 

Cutting to the chase. There were some old posts about oil pressure concerns and even a few MS guys expressed interest and contacted the seller and also posted some EBay ads. This was back in 17' so of course the ads no longer show-up on EBay. I did read all the threads and never did see a solid conclusion about the oil pressure issue. Did anyone find out or hear what the outcome was. I do know it's listed for sale much higher now compared to the 2017 posts, but what isn't right now? Some of the current squawks (minor leaky tanks) are still apparent.. Anybody know much about the plane? PM me if you feel more comfortable. Apparently it did go through a pre-buy just recently from the other guy and there were a handful of squawks reported, but nothing just crazy bad. Anyone have some insight I might not have found? 

 

Thanks,

 

Tom

[carusoam]

There are many Missiles around here…

Many happy owners…

The IO550 is quite normal for use in Mooneys…

So if you see issues like OilP or CHTs….  There is probably solid solutions for that…

 

For great info about Missiles… @Seth is our Missile guy…

I think I may have seen 888 for sale back in 2009… or so… (if that helps with the time scale)

There is plenty written about that machine if you search 888DF…

For some reason, I couldn’t copy my search results in the usual way…

Best regards,

-a-

[Seth]

Hi Tom!

The Missile as you know is a great combination of speed and climb ability merged with the M20J mid length Mooney body. It is an STC so there are many pros and cons.

If I recall correctly, and could be very wrong, N888DF was in an incident years back when one of the main gear collapsed. It's a very rare single wing gear collapse on a Mooney. Usually, if one gear folds all of them do. I could be wrong. This would have been about 10 years ago, around the time I purchased my Missile. If it's been flying a lot since then, likely I would not worry as much about it. But do look at the logs and see what if any repairs occured.

Tanks are an issue with all Mooney's and should be factored into the price. If it's got long range tanks, the repairs can be more expensive due to the extra bays (a plus for the more thirsty engine of the Missile).

Prices are much higher now than 2017, but you also didn't have the upkeep costs on this aircraft the last four years (I see you had a Twin Comanche).

They are great airplanes. I'm sure you've researched the pros and cons of the Missile, but feel free to PM me and we'll get in touch for a phone call.

Take care,

-Seth

 

Edited October 18, 2021 by Seth