Originally Posted by
SASless
For all of that structural damage....it was not a soft impact.
Question for the 139 drivers.....How are the floats actuated on the 139?
Any Saltwater switches or Float Valve Switches that will trigger the floats automatically....if the system is armed?
Are there indications in the photos that give a clue as to whether the floats inflated or not?
The floats are armed for over-water flights ... they activate via float valve switches situated in the MLG wells.
I see nothing in these photos to indicate any float inflation. The Fwd bags are housed below the cockpit doors & the Aft bags below the baggage bay.
I'm aware that some operations discourage arming floats on the AW139 during cruise .... despite the RFM calling for this .... just saying.