N6221P – The Acquisition – Vintage Comanche Blog

In September of 2020 we purchased a 1959 Piper PA-24 Comanche.

This was a project airplane from the start. Although complete and relatively unmolested it had been out of annual for 30 years. Its airframe logs were complete with a good airframe total time chronology shown through the logs all the way back to 1959! The engine and prop logs were less complete but that was not a factor for me since both would be at a minimum inspected and repaired as necessary if not replaced. My pre-purchase inspection revealed a corrosion free airframe with minimal damage but a long list of airworthiness issues across all systems. Join us here as we share our adventure in bringing this airplane back to life.

Fair warning – this is a basket case airplane. I knew this going in. I like bringing old airplanes back to life and I like putting in the wrench time. I have a great partner and spouse that helps every step of the way. Attempt this kind of thing at your own risk.

The airplane as it was left on the ramp since 2018.

Below are the major issues .

AIRFRAME:

No record of Airframe AD’s Complied with After 1990
1. Tail Horn AD
2. Landing Gear AD Part A ( Bungee Replacement)
3. 100 Inspection of Stabilator Attach Rivets
4. 100 Inspection of Vertical Fin Attachment
5. 100 Inspection of Aileron Nose Rib
Rudder Trim INOP
Rudder Cables Corroded
Landing Gear Uplock light inop
Left Fuel Bladder Leaking
Right Fuel Bladder Leaking
Tail Cone Not Installed
Corrosion on stabilator torque tube and associated control hardware
Nose strut collapsed
Right main strut collapsed
Left and Right brake hoses deteriorated
Right Caliper leaking fluid
Rudder Improperly Re-Painted (multiple coats of paint)
Spinner Bulkhead Damaged
ELT Inspection Due
Transponder Inspection Due