From First Airplane to Full Circle: A Tornado, a Lost Aircraft—and an Unbelievable Reunion

After a devastating storm destroyed his Mooney, Adam’s search for a replacement led to a shocking discovery—and another smooth journey with AOPA Finance.

Adam Langdon has had two great airplane-buying experiences with AOPA Finance. Even though both aircraft were Mooneys, every transaction is unique. In each case, AOPA Finance was able to shop around for lenders to make sure he got the best loan for each purchase.

Adam bought his first plane 10 years ago as a 100-hour IFR-rate pilot. “I come from four generations of pilots. Each encouraged me to learn to fly, and when I finally did get [my pilot’s license] in 2015 at age 45, my dad and friends all encouraged me to buy instead of rent.”

His father stressed the importance of buying an airplane to fit the mission. Because Adam knew his average trip would be over 700 miles, and possibly over mountainous terrain, he chose to get his IFR ticket right away and then look for a turbocharged 2000 Mooney M20 Bravo.

“I called AOPA immediately because I didn’t even know where to start. AOPA, I feel, is a trusted advisor. They’ve been a part of my life for 30 years.”

AOPA Finance took care of him from start to finish. “Brian did a great job with what documentation was required, how the process works, what I should be doing with the buyer, and how to put together a purchase agreement.” Adam got a 10-year loan and bought his dream plane in 2016.

By April 25, 2024, not only had Adam paid off his loan, but he’d put 600 hours on his beloved Mooney. One day later, April 26, 2024, a powerful EF-3 tornado with estimated peak winds of 152–160 mph struck his home base of Eppley Airfield in Omaha, Nebraska. The tornado caused millions of dollars in damage, destroying or damaging four hangar buildings and roughly 32 private aircraft, including Adam’s Mooney.

“Unbelievable. The entire South section, four big buildings and multiple  T-hangars filled with GA aircraft, totally destroyed.” The storm blew the hangars into the Missouri River. His plane was about 50 yards short.

Adam immediately sought out another Mooney. He found a worthy replacement, this one a 1999 Mooney M20 Bravo.

The seller told Adam  the engine came from a Mooney M20 Bravo that had been damaged in a tornado in Omaha and had been purchased as salvage. The engine was still in great shape, with all components recently rebuilt.

“I’m like, ‘Wait a minute, dude, that’s my old engine.’ So he sends me a picture of it, and I can see the annual was done at Council Bluffs. On the oil filter, it says KCBF and the date. And I said, ‘That’s mine. That’s my old engine!’”

Adam’s insurance and the federal government paid for his total loss, but because Mooney prices had risen since 2015, he needed to partially finance his purchase. He again sought out AOPA’s help.

This time Adam worked with Caroline. “I just needed to basically finance $100,000, and so they put together the deal, helped me find the best kind of option for what I was looking for. She was very responsive with any paperwork I needed.”

Having worked with AOPA Finance twice, Adam’s advice to buyers is: Determine your mission and buy for that. Determine your budget and then add 20% on top of whatever you think you want to spend. If possible, buy an airplane one step more capable than your mission requires. He feels doing so provides an extra margin of safety.

And finally, use AOPA Finance to make sure you’re getting the best loan for each situation.  Great advice. Great rates. Helpful and responsive reps you can trust. Three good reasons to turn to AOPA Aviation Finance when you are buying or refinancing an airplane. If you need a dependable source of financing with people who are on your side, just call 800.62.PLANE (800.627.5263), or click here to request a quote.