Apologies to Voel, but it just came across that way..

You right about the load thing although I know that Sefo and Wings Over Africa won`t book an acft with more than a certain amount of pax and cargo and that the crew have to submit the W&B before the flight..Regarding a mention that is getting worse in Namibia with more crashes its not really the truth as its not much up or down if compared to the last few years as it included in accidents/incidents Caravans and the 1900 landing on the road, not just 210`s, but they are pistons and not all pilots operate them the same way, an inexperienced pilot might shock cool the engine unintentionally etc so the pistons take a hammering and is not as forgiving as a turbine and fact remains that the 210 will bite you if you don`t have your finger out!

Just heard rumour today, that the engine was fine - right fuelflows, right temperatures, manifold pressure and revs. Valves were not burnt, everything fine exept for possible shockloading from the crash.

Aircraft used to have a IO-520 but got a IO-550 built in recently. Latter engine definatly needs a richer mixture on TKOF - Speculation: maybe the pilot set FF for a 520 and therefor did not get the performance because it was too lean ?

Could be water in the fuel as well, had quite a bit in my fuel tester during that time, although fuel test at Eros after the incedent was proven ok.

So it is still an enigma...

When I flew that aircraft many years ago it had aux tanks.I cant remember how much extra fuel ,but you could not be 5 up plus baggage and extra fuel.

Old LSO had the wingtip tanks that could take 45l a side, empty weight before the 550 she was about 2350lbs. She could take 1+4 (Std. weigts: male 205lbs, Female 165lbs, crew 190lbs) with 140lbs of baggage with enought fuel (260l) for eros-mokuti-eros legal. You must have 30l a side in the tips if your weight is over 3510lbs for the C/G. She also used to be good out of short fields with the extra bit of wing.

vaninam, was it the time you landed on the road and taxied back to the airport, parking the aircraft opposite Safai Hotel, as the gates were to narrow? (Ha, ha,ha)

I remember that one.

Driving in my Citi Golf on the road towards the airport I saw opposite traffic....a 210! Already 6 years ago or so.

After speaking to the pilot in question, I was told that there was an abrubt powerloss after TO...
I've flown with the guy before, and he's not only a damn good pilot, but has a reputation as a safe one as well.
I've personally been asked to take on some of his cargo in the past when he was already under gross and did not "feel comfortable" with it... The man is not a risk taker by any means!
Best Wishes to D, and all the pax involved!