Info on Lear 35 single engine controllability
Lear 35's have more than sufficient power and controllability while single engine. The are limitations on lateral fuel inbalance though. An AFM limitation is 600 pounds imbalance while hand-flying, or 200 pounds inbalance with the AFCS engaged.
This is a serious problem when the imbalance is based on tip tank fuel, because this scenario presents the largest "moment."
The Lear 35 systems allow the easy crossflowing of fuel from one wing to the other wing. One of the first steps (but not THE first) taken with an engine shut down is to open the crossflow valve. This will allow the gravity crossflowing of fuel to the wing with the operating engine to minimize the imbalance. Occasional activation of a fuel boost pump is also recommended to keep the imbalance closer to zero.
With a large imbalance, there can be a serious controllability issue, especially significant while single engine.
I would only be speculating if I said this was the problem in this sad accident.
Last edited by Check 6; 2nd May 2003 at 09:07.