http://www.kathrynsreport.com/2017/01/r ... 690wt.html

https://www.controller.com/listings/air ... r/rockwell

N690WT showed up on Controller last week (under Rockwell). The plane was apparently seized by the government and the original logs were lost prior to 2007. The engines are -10's and the full logs for those are available. They are practically new. My guess is that the engines and props alone are worth $550-600k. Then there's the avionics and the interior and the paint which are as good as it gets.

The plane is cheap in comparison to other Commanders in that condition and my guess is that with its history and missing logs it will go for much less but I am wondering how cheap it would have to get for one to get comfortable with the thought that the plane and its occupants might be confused or mistaken for cartel retribution one day.

I went to the auction probably a year or more ago and ran away at $250K. This sad airplane had been rotting on the ramp in Ft. Lauderdale for a lengthy amount of time (years). The motors had not been run and the magnesium gear boxes appeared to have water in them. Lots of spots of corrosion on the skins. Lots of mildew and condensation on the interior with the seatbelts rusted into the leather. There was a bible in a cabinet and it was 100% water logged and mildewed. Even the Garmin avionics cases were corroding along with every other piece of metal in the airplane.

Looks pretty awesome in the pictures though? I think they were taken a long, long time ago.

I'm sure I won't make any friends with this broker but someone paid $250-300 for this and they are trying to flip a very corroded airplane for more than double.

That's terrible on many levels. First the tragedy of such an amazing plane being wasted into oblivion and then the knowledge that there's brokers out there trying to mislead in such a horrific manner.

I want to edit this post and apologize to Bruce. I’ve spoken with him many times and I consider him one of the good ones. I hadn’t noticed his name on the listing and his stamp goes a long way in my opinion. Perhaps another broker was involved prior to Bruce...I don’t know but this thread was never meant to impute anyone.

Actually, what made me angry was all the beautiful jets and airplanes that are government seized and failed to protect for the 5+ years it took for "due process" to make the seizure legal. Seize a multi-million dollar airplane and go throw it in Ft Lauderdale on the ramp and turn it into a $50K parts airplane. There were multiple Gulfstreams, Hawkers and even an MT propped Cheyenne 4 all rotting. The "custodial agent" claimed he was running the motors every month but it was more than apparent he was totally lying.

Here’s an aerial with El Chapo more or less dead center

The custodial agent was probably paid some outrageous amount as well. Its so easy to spend and to waste "other people's money".

Here’s the hawker in front of El Chapo before and after

I bid $1. On second thought, that may be too much with taxes.

Byerly is not a fly by night operation and is well known for there work. I’m assuming they have done a substantial amount of work to it before selling it. It even states in the description some of the work performed.

Chris

For what's it worth, assuming things about airplanes can cost a small (large?) fortune.

For what's it worth, assuming things about airplanes can cost a small (large?) fortune.

I think the broker's description is fair and honest but unless they overhauled the motors, did the gear boxes, props, landing gear overhaul, did paint work, replaced the interior and replaced the corroded avionics, I don't think this airplane is worth too much IMO.

I’ve seen some remarkable before and after Commanders done by Bruce, EAM and others. Those -10s are amazing engines.
I’d be very cautious to insult this aircraft without inspection.

Since I picked up this plane from Dayton the other day, I will simply say that I was sad that I was the second place bidder. Here’s why: right out of the box it is one of the nicest flying Commanders I have had the pleasure of flying lately.

A week outside with a water leak can ruin an interior and cause rust on uncoated steel parts, etc. I see plenty of mildew on all kinds of birds and Commanders are particularly vulnerable to window leaks. This plane looks like new inside on all surfaces, under the floor, all the Garmin boxes exchanged, the engines removed and checked, etc.

From everything that I’ve seen, it’s a solid plane. And I’ve seen a few of them. And like any that I choose to get involved with, there are no secrets.

Now I’m going to go have a cocktail and try my best to stay off the Internet!

Bruce you rock!

Great response!

I drool over some of your iron on controller regularly.

Chris