Whatever you might say about the operator i know that they have always had the aircraft maintained superbly by Tayflite in Perth. I know several people who have flown DR in the last few days and she was running sweet with lots of time til check.
I know for a fact there was plenty of fuel on board.
I've always had the greatest respect for the instructors at Cumbernauld - a nice bunch of experienced pilots. Full respect for a superb piece of airmanship in very difficult circumstances. Apparently the engine gave in during a climb to get extra altitude over the hills. Talk about bad luck.