I think that if one takes the empty weight in kg, and compares it with the only possible sealed buyoant volume which is the fuel tank volume in litres (assuming empty tanks which is often the case ;) ) one will find that most metal types will sink - by a big margin.

For example the TB20 has an empty weight of ~900kg and the tank volume is about 320 litres (and these are BIG tanks) so it is about 580 litres short of being able to float.

I'm suspect the upper wing and tailplane surfaces of most a/c would have numerous trapped air pockets that would provide sufficient buoyancy, for a while at least.

For a few minutes, yes.

Looking at the video linked above, why didn't he just get into the boat? Why wait for the ASR?

I wonder if he did indeed have a lifejacket on or not. Does not look like it from the video.
How anyone can fly over water without wearing one is beyond me.

Wonder if he had an ELT too? Good job the lads were there and able to get to him to report the position, if he didnt have an ELT/lifejacket and a sinking plane things could have been very different.

http://i491.photobucket.com/albums/r...MScrash100.jpg

Doesn't look like he was wearing either immersion suit or a lifejacket.:ugh: