PPRuNe Forums - View Single Post - DA42 crashed in Northern Germany
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Old 30th May 2012, 12:49
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B2N2
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
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That trip looks to be around 500NM or about 3.5 hrs flying time.
80% cruise power for 12 gallons/hr for 42 gallons fuel required.
With full main tanks only (50 gallons) they would have had sufficient VFR reserves.

Some assumptions here but with full main tanks (350lbs) leaves about 700lbs for 4 people, luggage and maybe TKS fluid as the airplane was TKS equipped.
700/4= 175 lbs average passenger weight with personal luggage allowance included.
At least in the pictures there seems to be a debris path of luggage and personal items.
I'd be interested in the W&B on this one and also in the location of the rear canopy. I guess you would put the non flying passengers in the back.
Possible rear canopy opening during climbout with the pilot reaching back and trying to close it?
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