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.
Thanks for the tip. I learned a couple of things about the planes I am interested in, but I did learn that this database is incomplete. One of the planes (23304) was reported by the owner to have 2 different accidents in the late 1970s, and the database has a cryptic line of
FUEL VENT SYST PLUGGED WITH INSECT PARTICLES.
So I suppose this is helpful if it discloses damage previously unknown to the buyer, but not so helpful if it shows nothing.
