CG nightmare
I've flown several crossings from California to/from Hawaii.
The aircraft was loaded with fuel for a ferry flight. The ferry fuel system did not function as designed and could not deliver fuel to the aircraft. The pilots were limited to the fuel in the main tanks, which was the farthest forward fuel most likely.
As a result, as the aircraft exhausted the fuel in the main tanks and the CG moved aft. The aircraft must have been difficult to control (in pitch).
There are pictures of N153QS on floats and wheels. No reliable source has told us if the aircraft was on floats. I agree with those who guess the floats were taken off and shipped.
I ferried a light twin out of Oakland to Honolulu. I can't imagine someone installing a ferry fuel system and then loading up the aircraft with all that fuel before testing the ferry system. That would take a little extra time and money, but it is better than landing a VERY heavy plane loaded with fuel.
This story brings back lots of memories. I'm sure other pilots who have made that crossing have been thinking about this.
Edit: In my original post, I assumed the main fuel tanks on the Twin Otter were in the wings. They are, in fact, in the belly of the aircraft. I have never flown a Twin Otter.
Last edited by autorough23; 2nd Jun 2023 at 14:52.