N9430V Discussion

[Trow28]

I'd love to hear thoughts on this plane.

https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=MOONEY&model=M20F+EXEC+21&listing_id=2405080&s-type=aircraft

In relation to the current market conditions, this seems to be a really good value.

I guess a few of my specific questions would be:

1. What do you think of the GX-60 GMX-200 combination
2. Fuel tanks stripped and sealed 2017 - I've read about fuel tank leak issues on some models.  Does the re-seal happen at some sort of interval?  How much does it cost
3. Definitely need to contact the seller about the annual date and if it's been flown. Description says annual performed in January (but no year indicated).  Details indicate annual performed June 2017.  Same with IFR cert.
4. Plane is in humid Mississippi and there's no indication that it's hangered.  What are some things I should be worried about?

Thanks for any insight you can provide.  I'm just now cutting my teeth on the plane buying process and trying to absorb as much as I can.

[Trow28]

Oh, also the 3 accidents.  Indicates 2x gear up and 1x gear collapse, but the last one was 20 years ago.  Also, looks like no records for the first 4 years 1970 - 1973

[graham28105]

The GX-60 is no longer supported by Garmin. You will not be able to get updates which limits it's usefulness.

[LANCECASPER]

Contact the seller and see if they'll send you a pdf copy of the logbooks. That will help to tell the story.

[Danb]

Obviously a PPI will let you know about the airworthiness, corrosion and hopefully other items that require attention.

Add to your cost upgraded avionics to your liking plus any items found from the PPI and items during your first annual.
 

On the surface the plane looks good, the fleet is increasing in value above inflation. If it’s a keeper consider making an offer.

[Marauder]

2 hours ago, Trow28 said:

I'd love to hear thoughts on this plane.

https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=MOONEY&model=M20F+EXEC+21&listing_id=2405080&s-type=aircraft

In relation to the current market conditions, this seems to be a really good value.

I guess a few of my specific questions would be:

1. What do you think of the GX-60 GMX-200 combination
2. Fuel tanks stripped and sealed 2017 - I've read about fuel tank leak issues on some models.  Does the re-seal happen at some sort of interval?  How much does it cost
3. Definitely need to contact the seller about the annual date and if it's been flown. Description says annual performed in January (but no year indicated).  Details indicate annual performed June 2017.  Same with IFR cert.
4. Plane is in humid Mississippi and there's no indication that it's hangered.  What are some things I should be worried about?

Thanks for any insight you can provide.  I'm just now cutting my teeth on the plane buying process and trying to absorb as much as I can.

As Lance pointed out, it all starts with the logs. It looks like it has only flown once in April. I would get a copy of the logs and see what kind and how much maintenance has been done over the past few years. 
It will be a bit of a project plane if you need support on any of the older avionics. 

[Trow28]

Thanks for the advice guys.  I didn't realize that some of the "modern" avionics go obsolete.  Helps put the picture together regarding the lower price.

[MikeOH]

While I've only bought and owned only one plane, my first criteria was recent and frequent use.  Five years in and I have NOT had any major issues.  My plane was flown weekly and that usage almost demands that proper maintenance is performed rather than deferred; if you are going to depend on the plane you don't want to skimp.

How much recent use has this plane had?  Sitting around is BAD for machinery, especially if it was outside.

[carusoam]

On 6/25/2022 at 1:20 PM, Trow28 said:

 realize that some of the "modern" avionics go obsolete. 

Try to find details for any new Apollo or Narco Avionics or BK…

That may give a hint to how old they really are…

Not all GPS devices are created to the modern WAAS standard …

Some early GPS devices were not legal for IFR approaches…

Later GPS had horizontal guidance only…

WAAS GPS with vertical guidance came in the late 90s….

Oddly, much of the Garmin line is based on the Apollo equipment they acquired…. Many years ago…

Some GPS devices got color screens before they got WAAS…

Good luck with the hunt!

-a-

[Rusty Pilot]

It appears to be a fair price for a nice F.  Good luck with your decision.

[wlan1]

@Trow28 - Did you ever purchase this, and regardless - do you recall the sales price from this listing?

[Fly Boomer]

9 minutes ago, wlan1 said:

@Trow28 - Did you ever purchase this, and regardless - do you recall the sales price from this listing?

Don't get your hopes up -- he last visited 4 months ago.

[wlan1]

@Fly Boomer Shucks, maybe you (or anyone) can provide some insight here.

Current sale post: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1077970066531173/?referralSurface=messenger_lightspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner

• 730 SMOH
• 3'23 Annual
• 9'23 IFR cert
• 6000 total time
• Prop Time since new: 270
• good fast plane ready to go located at KIPJ airport

Listed at 85k, looks like no major avionics changes or upgrades of any sort since purchased earlier in the year. The short turnaround-time seems like a red flag. Without knowing the previous purchase price I can't tell, but it looks like the same paint and interior as in pictures from 2017 and 2022. Will ask the owner a few questions, but not sure exactly what to ask or be looking for. This would be a first-time aircraft purchase - prebuy of course, but on the fence about even getting that far. Thoughts on what I should ask the owners about before entering a contract?

[47U]

59 minutes ago, wlan1 said:

(or anyone) can provide some insight here

At this time of night… some random thoughts…

I’m curious why it sat for about 6 years… owned by an LLC in south-central Mississippi?  Where exactly was the aircraft sitting those six years?  A very meticulous corrosion inspection needs to be done.  Both fuselage and wings.

Engine SMOH is 730 hrs… how many years ago was that done?  Only 50 hrs tach time since last May?  All the hoses are probably due for a time change. 

Why was a new prop hung 270 hrs ago?  Prop strike?

Current owner is a NASCAR truck series crew chief?  Who doesn’t appear to have a PPL?

The avionics might get you by for a while.  Single comm?  Are nav updates available for a GX-60?  I wouldn’t trust a NAV 122 for any IFR work.

I wouldn’t count on the engine not going south… it could go great for a couple hundred hours, it might be making metal already, or it could go to TBO.  The oil filter and sump screen warrant inspection… but if the oil was just changed, it needs to have some hours put back on it.

Order the history CD from the FAA…

Good luck.