When you think you are interested in a plane, go to the clubs hangar section (ID = member number, password = zipcode) and "perform a document search" of the N number. This bird has damage history, but since it is over 20 years old, probably isn't a factor! A Google search of the N number will sometimes turn up this and other interesting information, such as an owners webpage documenting repairs, overhaul, refurb, incidents, etc.
VFR PLT WAS USING VOR AIRWAY NAVIGATION. HE ARRIVED IN THE VICINITY OF DESTINATION AFTER DARK AND ATTEMPTED TO LOCATE THE ARPT BY FLYING A RADIAL FROM THE VOR; HOWEVER, HE USED THE 230 DEGREE RADIAL (PUBLISHED RADIAL IS 237 DEGREES). FURTHER, THE ARPT IS UNLIGHTED UNLESS PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE. PLT HAD NOT DONE SO. PLT FLEW BACK AND FORTH ALONG THE 230 RADIAL FOR 45 MINS BUT DID NOT SIGHT ARPT. DURING THIS TIME, PLT CALLED ARPT ON UNICOM FOR THE ACTIVE RUNWAY. UNKNOWN PLT RESPONDED WITH WIND DIRECTION, BUT NO ANSWER FROM ARPT. PLT DID NOT ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN ASSIST FROM ARTCC OR OTHER FACILITY. (THERE WERE 7 ARPTS WITHIN A 10 MI RADIUS OF THE VOR IN USE.) WHEN FUEL BECAME CRITICAL, PLT LOOKED FOR EMERG LNDG SITE BUT FUEL EXHAUSTION OCCURRED. PLT SET UP MIN DESCENT RATE AND ALLOWED ACFT TO SETTLE INTO TREES. ACFT LODGED IN TREES AND THE PLT SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES UPON DEPLANING WHEN HE FELL 20 FT TO THE GROUND.
This is a pretty aircraft, and appears well maintained by it's current owner. Old damage history isn't a big factor for me (proper repairs are), but it could be a bargaining chip affecting resale value. This one would definately warrant a very thorough pre-buy/annual inspection with attention to repairs.
