What are the legal implications on a pilot should s/he have an engine failure in a similar situation, recognise marginal performance and decide to successfully land straight ahead in a paddock? What if the POH says that the aircraft should climb and therefore make it around to the circuit?
Methinks that the insurer's lawyers would be after the pilot, and in OZ at least CASA would try to blame the pilot to absolve itself of any performance/legislative issues.
Is it any surprise then why pilots would try to struggle around the circuit?
Damned if you do and damned it you don't. I guess that's why they pay us piston twin drivers millions.
[ 12 August 2001: Message edited by: compressor stall ]