Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes Old Major Repairs on 150G

I am considering a 1967 150G, IFR equipped and IFR certified, with an asking price of $21,000. I have looked over the airplane initially - needs some upholstry work and the carpet is loose/bunched up at the rudder pedals, but looks good otherwise. It does have the AT-150 xponder subject to the possible AD.

I checked all of the paperwork - all in order and complete. Then, I came across some major repairs done in mid-1972. Many ribs on the left wing replaced, wing skin replaced, right horizontal stabilizer and elevator ribs and skins replaced and vertical stabilizer and rudder tip replaced or repaired. All of the work IS DETAILED IN THE LOGS AND IN THE 337's down to the Cessna part numbers, diagrams of the repairs, and statements of repairs done to Cessna structural repair manual and AC 43.13-1A. In looking at the NTSB records, the airplane attempted to land in high gust conditions (up to 38 knots), was blown off the runway and crashed into some ditches - occuring in late 1970. From the nature of the repairs, it seems that the airplane cought a wingtip and flipped on its back.

The paperwork for the repairs are well detailed and exact (as is the rest of the paperwork) including receipts from day one. And the airplane looks good today. Before I invest in an IA doing the combination pre-purchase/annual inspection before buying, should I walk away? If not, do I have any bargaining power with this damage history? The TT of the airplane is 3200 hours, 85 SMOH.

Thanks!

Steve

I'd say that you have no bargaining power what-so-ever.

The damage (and the repairs) happened 32 YEARS ago.

If the plane looks OK and flies straight, what else is there to say?

If the history freaks you out; walk.

If I was the seller, that's what I'd tell you.

That AD only applies to particular serial numbers. Right?
Slide out the unit. Get the serial.
It's as simple as twisting an allen wrench.

To me, the damage looks like it was properly repaired. I was just asking if I had any additional bargaining power - no need to be nasty about it.

Also, bear in mind that there are many airplnes out there with improper repairs that fly for years without reaching design limits (where such repirs would fail). As an FAA engineer, I have seen this more times than I care to count.

Steven,

Certainly didn't mean to sound nasty.

I recall your history and your employment from past
buying adventures.

Given the age of what most of us fly, "No Damage History"
is actually quite unusual.

And you are correct. There are a bunch of repairs flying
around that shouldn't be flying around.

I am sure that Kevin Williams is reading this thread.
See the value of the paperwork?

From your report, this plane wouldn't be ruled out of my book.

But some guys just can't get over that their plane has "a damage history". In that case, they should walk.

When you buy, you really need to be thrilled.
If there's a knot is your tummy, that's your brain trying
to tell you that something isn't right. PAY ATTENTION.

Thanks for clearing up "nasty".

Right now, this is one of two 1967 150G's I am considering, both at $21,000 asking. What I want to do is assess the qualities and disadvantages of both airplanes in comparision. decide which one is best for me, and then go after that one. If I cannot get my first choice, I will then go for my second choice if still available. What I won't do is play one seller against the other to get a lower price - instead I will negotiate the final price on the airplane of my choice based on its own merits.

This is the first airplane I have ever owned and I want to be cautious and careful about what I purchase (after all, my life ultimately depends on it).

Steve

I just purchased a 74 Cardinal with two previous damage incidents. As with yours, properly documented and it would appear properly repaired. The airplane does have a heavy wing (dealt with by some trim tab), but flies to book numbers and neutral ball on a 1700 hour engine. Rather than pay a 20K premium for a "no-damage history" airplane (which doesn't necessarily mean no damage history) I opted for one that was fixed 20 years ago and flies grant, and now that 20K saved is held back for the major.

Oh...and this airplane had a prop strike with a documented tear down and inspection (same time as the repair). I happened to talk to the shop (still around today) at GXY. Nice guy, assured me that at that time they did all their own engine work and he would not allow a tear down without all new internals (i.e. bearings, safteys, bolts, gaskets etc). So in essence, while my engine is 1770 TTSN, it was "practically" majored 500 hours ago. He's even going to his storage to look for the work order and send it to me. Sounds like a shop with nothing to hide.

Steven,

I'm in the same boat as you, looking for a first plane (IFR 172).

I think the real concern here is resale. If you plan to keep the plane a long time and you're personally satisfied of its airworthiness, then there's no issue. However, there are a certain number of buyers who will categorically rule out any plane with damage history. That's going to reduce your pool of buyers somewhat.

Hi Steve,
I bought my 150H(Darcy) in 1998, and was confronted with the following after a log book search:
Major repairs 09-10-75: STBD wing- Leadind edge and ribs replaced, Inboard lower panel replaced, Inboard spar replaced,new end rib, lower skin panel and wing tip installed
Port Wing- Upper centre,front & rear panels fitted, Doubler fitted to rear spar centre section
Control Surfaces- Port elevator changed, STBD Flap upper surface fluting straightened & doubler fitted
Fuselage- From rear window to AFT bulkhead replaced with a serviceable section, rear window trim moulding replaced.
Tailplane- Replaced with serviceable item.
Engine- Bulk stripped, 03-05-75, presumably as a result of the same accident.
After consulting with some independant A&P's overwhelming advice was "Most of the aircraft is 10 years younger than what it should be. Fly it, if it flys straight, go for it"
I went ahead with the purchase, and do not regret it
Total time at purchase date was 4298.9.
Don't pass it up just because of damage history(32 years ago)
Trevor

Those are good hours on the plane (TT & SMOH). That's worth something. We bought a 67G that had just come out of a $4,000 annual. Buyer paid for all of it. In the first year of ownership, we put $6,000 into it fixing things that we discovered and adding things to make it our own. Total invested to date (excluding its current annual, which is happening now). We've invested $25k in the plane. She's just about where we want her for now, and purring like a cat.

Expect expenses the first year. An IFR Certified plane with good mechanicals, decent interior, paint & clear glass sounds reasonably priced at 21k.

My advice is worth exactly what you paid for it.