N947GB, a 1975 Beechcraft Duke B60, SN P-365, will be auctioned to the highest bidder on January 4, 2024, at 10AM, in Sturgis, SD - see attached sale notice. From what I understand or have been told, and I make no warranty of any kind:
- Plane has been sitting in the hangar for more than 5 years and is NOT airworthy.
- Avionics are still installed, including a 530W and an ADSB transponder.
- Engines are complete excepting for the lifters which were removed and sold for another aircraft.
- Both props will supposedly be sold with the plane - only one is on the plane - the other was removed so that it could be used to test another airplane.
- There was previously some tail corrosion.
- Logbooks are missing.
- The plane is being sold as-is with no warranty.

Again, I have not seen this aircraft nor am I making any representations - the above statements are just what I've been told. I have attached photographs provided to me by a third party. If you have any interest, as I have no additional information, please contact the authorities listed in the sale notice if you have any interest in the aircraft.

I see Gary is still making tons of friends in the aviation community. What on earth happened here this time?

I’m looking forward to the BT thread, “Lazarus II”.

There's gotta be more to this story.......OP only knows third hand information, but his name is listed as the plaintiff? Same person, or just an odd coincidence??

As an update, I have been told that the logbooks have been found (but I have not seen them). There is not much to the story other than what is disclosed in the sale notice.

So are you the plaintiff in the judgment? If so, there is much more to this story. As in, how did this Duke end up in these dire straits, with you(if you're the plaintiff), versus Mr. Bongard?

Curious and inquiring minds want to know. And, for an auction, will REALLY want to know. Or at least I would, anyway.

As the auction notice states, the defendant has a judgment against him in favor of the plaintiff. This aircraft, owned by the defendant, is being sold to satisfy some part of the judgment.

Deflection. Are you the plaintiff?

I care not, since I'm not in the market for a Duke, but, others may care if you are an invested party to the auction.

Deflection. Are you the plaintiff?

I care not, since I'm not in the market for a Duke, but, others may care if you are an invested party to the auction.

Incorrect, he never admitted to being the plaintiff, which was my question.

Let me apologize if it feels like I’m deflecting or not being clear - I’ve only disclosed as was advised by counsel. I am hopeful that it is clear that the name of the plaintiff on the notice matches my fully disclosed name on Beechtalk. My only interest is insuring that anyone who might be interested in the plane knows about the physical auction that is taking place in Sturgis, SD - as anyone who is familiar with a sale of this type, they are not widely published. It’s better for the plaintiff and the defendant to have a healthy auction - just like it’s important to Duke owners who need access to parts to know this plane is available. I hope readers who know me and those who don’t realize I’ve been completely transparent that I’ve never seen this aircraft and that all that I’m disclosing was passed along to me via the authorities in SD. As the notice states, if someone is interested in bidding, they should make arrangements to view the aircraft prior to the sale. I would highly recommend same.

As a former Duke owner, I know the importance of having parts available - some of which have become unobtainium.

Apologies again to this community if you agree with this critic. To those Duke owners who’ve reached out to thank me for letting them know about this sale, I appreciate you, too!

Incorrect, he never admitted to being the plaintiff, which was my question.

Which could, or could not be, the OP. I'm sure there is more than one "John Lock" in this country. I am only asking for clarification if the OP is the SAME John Lock as on the suit. Should be a simple answer.

Interesting how this plane was partially stripped of paint, then someone put the registration numbers back on, like it was going to fly somewhere to finish the job.

Never did though.

I've known Gary (current owner) for decades. Big Duke and 541 engine guy. How he got into this mess I'll never know, but does not surprise me at all.

If Gary has the log books, you aint-a-gonna get them.

I'll leave it there.

$5-10k project. Wont satisfy that judgement in full. Just look at the engine parts that are missing. Huge $$$ to put this thing in the air.