Regarding damage history on the older (1969) models--pre-purchase question

[TonyKanz]

Thanks in advance!

I'm looking at a 1969 Bellanca 7KCAB citabria. It does have complete logs; however, there is an entry in the airframe log from circa 1979 "Hanger fell on it". Then nothing until Oct 2003 when it was restored, airframe logs and an extensive 337 are provided.

Asking around, there seem to be 2 schools of thought:
1. Damage history is bad bad bad -- this will reduce the future sale price of the plane by XX% (5 - 15% as examples)
2. This is an older tailwheel trainer -- they ALL have damage history. This one has good paperwork, has been flying reguarly in a club and flies straight.

I wanted to get this groups thoughts if this is a bad deal from the jump or if point #2 is more in line.

Again, thanks!

 

[Bob Turner]

#2. Opinion.

 

[JackC]

So for most planes over a decade old, especially pt91, they ether have documented damage history or just undocumented damage history.

That said, if it got squished like a bug in a hanger collapse, that might be more of a rebuild than I’d look for outside of a MAJOR discount

 

[Sully]

#2. No discount expected.
My opinion is worth what you paid for it.