Duncan McFadyean wrote:
>>Would be interested to here of any speculation (unless someones already
>attempted it!) of how a Europa would perform in a wheelup ditching.
>
>Probaly quite well; would it nose over? would it sink?
>
Would it not be better to land with the wheel down? The flaps being down
would lower the approach and touchdown speeds . Also the wheel would touch
before the fuselage and would act as the step of a float; it is in front of
the C of G and this would reduce the likelyhood of the aircraft nosing in.
It is the sudden deceleration when the aircraft tries to emulate a
submarine that will hurt people.
Let's hope it never happens. I must admit to worrying about ditching a bit
when I am half way between the Azores arnd Antigua even with two engines.
There is an awful lot of nothing out there. Just remember the altenative
definition of ETOPS - Engines turn or passengers swim!
Regards,
Richard
Richard & Tricia King XX XXXX In the begining there was
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