Originally Posted by
machtuk
What are cowl flaps used for in the first place? To keep the engines operating temps within limits at any time during operation. Perhaps the engines where close to their max temp which necessitated the cowl flaps to be left open? If the cowl flaps left open was the deciding factor that this bird would have a satisfactory climb or not on 1 engine then that's scary!
machtuk,
On that basis, you would have found most aircraft of the era scary.
Indeed, a common and workable definition of an aircraft in those days was
: " A highly complex mechanical device that almost doesn't fly".
Tootle pip!!