So back to the original question: DA42 had alternator belt failure on Dec 30, which drives water pump. Engine shut down and pilot chose to divert to Gatwick. Aircraft presumably awaiting new engine or defect rectification. Hope it isn't being charged £300/day parking fees which have been quoted as being typical for that location.
Merc A Class engines aren't known for being particularly unreliable. Thielert/Centurion 1.7 engine is predominantly the same engine but with many other bits fitted by Thielert. Reliability isn't exactly outstanding and one might want to question the wisdom of a belt driven water pump rather than using an accessory drive off the reduction gear box.
Sternone. Just give up on your 'I'd prefer to crash in a Mooney' pathetic ramblings. This DA42 didn't crash or crash land, it diverted.
A Mooney wouldn't have diverted to LGW if its engine failed in the same geographical location.... The Mooney company have had many owners over they years. Customer support may be good with the current owners but is probably no better than others. No doubt you have first hand experience?
[Edited to say that if the above appears strange, I think the Mods have removed some Sternone-induced comments - that may not surprise some people!]
Last edited by smarthawke; 20th Jan 2008 at 18:53.