Aircraft overview

The Mooney M20K 231 / 252 is the turbocharged, retractable gear member of the long running Mooney M20 family, built by Mooney Aircraft in Kerrville, Texas. The M20K 231 entered production for the 1979 model year, while the improved 252 followed in 1986 and remained in production into the early 1990s. Both are four seat, piston single aircraft aimed at owner pilots who want high altitude cruise capability, efficient cross country speed and the compact, low drag Mooney airframe.

Performance & specifications

The 231 is powered by a 210 hp Continental TSIO-360 series engine, most commonly the TSIO-360-GB or later LB configuration. The 252 uses the 210 hp Continental TSIO-360-MB, with improved induction, intercooling and engine management characteristics. Typical cruise speeds are around 170 to 190 knots depending on altitude, power setting and engine installation. Usable range is commonly about 800 to 1,000 nautical miles with reserves, making the type well suited to longer IFR trips. Useful load varies significantly by equipment and modifications, often in the high 800 lb to roughly 1,000 lb class. The 231 is associated with a 24,000 foot service ceiling, while the 252 is known for its 28,000 foot certification.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin has seating for four, with the characteristic Mooney layout: relatively narrow, efficient and optimized for front seat cross country flying rather than cabin volume. Baggage capacity is adequate for two to three travelers when fuel and weight are planned carefully. Factory avionics were conventional analog IFR panels, often with King or similar radios and autopilots. On the used market, many examples now feature Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or GI 275 instruments, Aspen displays, engine monitors and upgraded audio panels. Garmin G1000 and Garmin Perspective are not typical factory installations for the Mooney M20K 231 / 252.

Buying & value

Buyers should distinguish carefully between early 231 aircraft, later 231s with the LB engine, and the 252, as engine configuration, cooling, turbo system condition and operating technique have a major effect on ownership experience. Pre purchase focus areas include engine history, turbocharger and wastegate components, fuel tank sealing, landing gear rigging, corrosion inspection, autopilot function and quality of any avionics installation. Common upgrades include intercoolers, wastegate controllers, speed brakes, modern engine monitors and panel modernization. In current PlaneFox listing data, asking prices average about EUR 145,000, with examples ranging from about EUR 82,000 to EUR 233,000, positioning the model as a capable used turbo single below many newer high performance aircraft.