Mk8
Bernie and Devonport were both serviced by the DC-9 in times gone by.
From long memory, WYY and DPO were not serviced by B727 or DC9. BA146 and F28 used to be used for RPT services, and of course, F27
Since the B717 does not normally operate to these locations, so it would have been unfamiliar territory.
spinout
Was Hobart ever considered??
Probably not because at the point the engine problem occurred, the distance to ML was about the same as to HB (allowing for the 180deg turn)