TURN-KEY! Interior still looks new (2021), Rayjay Turbo Charger, Solar Gray Glass, Fuel Tank Reseal! Fresh IFR, June 2025 Annual!!

Home Airport(s)

KMAI: Marianna Municipal Airport (Marianna, FL, USA)

Manufacturer year

1979

Serial Number

25-0026

Registration Number

N231CA

Make/Model

1979 Mooney M20K 231

Useful Load

986.83 lbs

Airframe

2,426.5 hours Airwolf air​/​oil separator kit. Oxygen System Option (needs oxygen bottle) Bose Headset Jacks for Pilot and Copilot Rajay Turbo Charger Solar Gray Glass

Engine Details (e.g. Total Engine Time; Suggested TBO; Hours Remaining)

Continental TSIO-360-GB (210HP). SN# 309034. 1800 TBO. Overhauled by Lynn’s Aircraft Engines 5​/​13​/​03. McCauley 2 Blade Prop Model 2A34C216. SN# 812547. Overhauled by Prop Works, Inc. 2​/​25​/​08. SPOH: 940.5 Engine 1 Hours: 1,502.2 SMOH

Avionics

Garmin GTX 335 Transponder Garmin SL-30 Com​/​Nav​/​G. Slope Garmin GNS-430W Garmin GI-106A Nav Indicator JPI EDM 700 Engine Monitor Collins AMR-350 Audio Marker International Annunciator Panel Aerosonic 101627-01696 Altimeter Mitchell Directional Gyro Wing Leveler (Holds Heading)

Interior/Exterior; Additional Equipment

Interior: New interior installed 10​/​4​/​21. Tribeca Oyster Leather Seats and Sidepanels, New Douglass Interior Products 585 Cobalt Carpet. New Vantage Plane Plastics. Exterior: Refurbished blue and white paint 4​/​2​/​16. Navy Blue Bottom and Accents with Matterhorn White upper and Las Vegas Gold Stripes. Painted 5​/​16​/​03 by Century Aircraft Painting.

Maintenance Details

06​/​20​/​25 - Annual Accomplished 08​/​08​/​24 - Fuel Tanks Resealed 06​/​12​/​24 - Annual inspection accomplished. 02​/​08​/​23 – New Gill Battery. 10​/​27​/​22 – IFR Check Accomplished 07​/​01​/​22 – Annual Inspection Accomplished 10​/​15​/​21 – New vacuum pump installed. 10​/​04​/​21 – Interior refurbished. 04​/​07​/​19 – Installed Airwolf air​/​oil separator kit. 07​/​13​/​18 – Installed Garmin GTX 335 Transponder.

Aircraft Model Overview (Reference only)

The Mooney M20K 231 is a turbocharged, high-performance single-engine aircraft introduced by Mooney Aircraft Corporation in 1979 as the first turbocharged variant in the M20 lineage. The 231 designation derives from the aircraft's initial book cruise speed of 231 miles per hour — a marketing benchmark that reflected genuine capability and positioned the type above the normally aspirated M20J in Mooney's lineup. At its introduction, the M20K offered owner-pilots access to flight-level cruise speeds in an unpressurized single-engine platform at a price point well below comparable turbocharged twins, establishing a performance niche that the type continues to occupy in the used market today. Power is provided by a Continental TSIO-360-GB turbocharged and intercooled horizontally-opposed six-cylinder engine producing 210 horsepower, driving a three-blade McCauley constant-speed propeller. The TSIO-360 maintains rated power to higher altitudes than any normally aspirated M20 variant, enabling the 231 to cruise efficiently between FL180 and FL240 where it achieves its best true airspeeds and most favorable fuel burn per nautical mile. The intercooled induction system — a significant engineering feature for a piston single of this era — reduces charge air temperature and improves combustion efficiency at altitude, though early system configurations were subject to a series of refinements through the early production years. The M20K airframe is a direct evolution of the proven M20J structure, retaining Mooney's core design DNA: laminar-flow wing, forward-swept tail with the signature reversed vertical stabilizer, and an aerodynamically efficient low-drag fuselage. The retractable tricycle gear is electrically actuated, a departure from the manual Johnson bar system of earlier M20 variants and an important differentiator for pilots transitioning from the M20C or M20E. The 1979 airframe carries the shorter fuselage of the classic M20 series; Mooney's long-body revision did not arrive until later in the product line. Structural integrity and build quality are consistent with Mooney's established standards. The four-seat cabin follows the characteristic Mooney configuration: narrow by the standards of Cessna or Piper contemporaries, with a premium placed on aerodynamic efficiency over interior volume. Front seating is well-appointed with good instrument access and reasonable comfort on legs up to three hours at cruise altitude. Rear passenger accommodation is functional for two average-build adults, with the familiar Mooney constraint on shoulder room that is the direct trade for the fuselage's low-drag cross-section. Baggage is stowed in an aft compartment accessed via a dedicated door on the left rear fuselage. In the current used market, the 1979 M20K occupies the entry tier of turbocharged Mooney ownership — priced below later, refined 231 production years and substantially below the M20K 252 and M20M Bravo. Buyers drawn to the early 231 are typically motivated by the turbocharged performance capability at a modest acquisition cost, and the type rewards owners who invest in understanding the Continental TSIO-360's operating regime, monitor engine parameters diligently, and maintain service bulletin compliance. The Mooney Aircraft Pilots Association (MAPA) provides strong type support, and TSIO-360-experienced shops are available in most major GA markets. The 1979 Mooney M20K 231 is a pioneering turbocharged piston single that delivers genuine high-altitude, high-speed cross-country capability in the Mooney tradition. For the proficient IFR pilot prepared to invest in proper type-specific training, disciplined engine management technique, and diligent maintenance oversight — particularly on an early production airframe — the 231 offers a compelling and economical entry point into turbocharged flight-level operations that few single-engine piston aircraft can match at a comparable price.

Additional Notes

All logs since new, available digitally upon request. Damage History: Yes - 12​/​06​/​06 – Gear up landing reported. Damage reported as minor. Replaced nut plates to lower fairing supporting structure. Installed serviceable one piece “smooth belly” lower fairing. Tear down inspection completed. - Specifications and​/​or descriptions are provided as introductory information and do not constitute representations or warranties of seller or its agents. Accordingly inspection and verification of aircraft and equipment is the sole responsibility of the purchaser and​/​or purchasers agent. Any proposed transaction is subject to final execution of a sales agreement acceptable to seller and their counsel. Aircraft subject to prior sale or removal from the market.