| I found this site by accident and found the N numbers of my old plane. Without my log books handy ( they are in another state) I think I purchased it in 1976 and sold it in 1981. In 1981 I was in the Air Force in Altus OK. I really enjoyed this airplane. It was responsive and solid and very reliable. It was a bit slow compared to a 172 with the same engine but it's handling and quality made up for it. In the Spring of '81 just after it's annual inspection the repair shop tied it down outside with chain tie downs. A storm came through and it took a lightning strike to the left wing tip. There was subtantial damage to the left wing and everything electrical in the plane was destroyed. The insurance Co. had trouble finding a replacement wing. The radios though good were old and worth nothing as far as the ins. co. was concerned. Looking at substantial costs to replace the radio's on my own on a Captains salary I took the insurance money and sold it to the repair shop at Altus municipal airport. I found out 3 days later that they had it flying by repairing the wing. Something they "couldn't do" while I owned it. I always wondered what happened to it. It looks like it is still flying. I have many photos of it, just not here. I live in two different states. If the present owner comes across my comments and would like to contact me I would be happy to talk about my experience with this very fine airplane. I haven't flown for many years but I wouldn't mind seeing it again if our paths ever cross. Wouldn't mind flying in it either! |