Allan,

 

I would think with an aircraft with large numbers in the field, you could get a good number for a no damage history vs. a damaged aircraft.  I would guess on a new Mooney, the reduction in value would be considerably more than the repair cost.  If you could get a certified appraiser to work up some numbers, those should hold up with the IRS.

 

Not even close to being a CPA, but it makes sense to me.

 

Mike