Author Topic: Discussion about ditching a diamond da-40  (Read 13117 times)

Offline jakero

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Discussion about ditching a diamond da-40
« on: March 02, 2008, 02:33:42 PM »
I was wondering if anyone had any input about the strategy for ditching a diamond, particularly a da-40.  Being a low-wing, would it have the flipping tendencies like a cessna, or would it remain upright because of its  farther aft CG? You would probably have a hard time opening that canopy if you were inverted and under water, and climbing into the back to get out the rear hatch may be difficult. I'm curious because I am considering the purchase of either a Da-40 or a 182 and I plan on doing some over-water flying out to the Bahamas from South Florida. Any input on this would be appreciated.



Offline KSYR-pjr

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Re: Discussion about ditching a diamond da-40
« Reply #1 on: March 02, 2008, 02:39:53 PM »
If you haven't already seen this, here's a good starting point:

http://www.equipped.com/ditchtoc.htm


Offline jakero

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Re: Discussion about ditching a diamond da-40
« Reply #2 on: March 02, 2008, 03:23:31 PM »
thanks, i'll look into this.

Offline SkanknTodd

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Re: Discussion about ditching a diamond da-40
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2008, 06:39:05 PM »
Looks like a diamondstar did just that the other day and the guy made it out okay...

********************************************************************************
**   Report created 3/3/2008   Record 3                                       **
********************************************************************************

IDENTIFICATION
  Regis#: 895MS        Make/Model: DA40      Description: DA-40 Katana
  Date: 03/01/2008     Time: 2015

  Event Type: Accident   Highest Injury: None     Mid Air: N    Missing: N
  Damage: Destroyed

LOCATION
  City: KEY WEST   State: FL   Country: US

DESCRIPTION
  AIRCRAFT ON APPROACH, ENGINE FAILED AND CRASHED INTO THE OCEAN, THE ONE
  PERSON ON BOARD WAS RESCUED BY BOAT, KEY WEST, FL

INJURY DATA      Total Fatal:   0
                 # Crew:   1     Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:   
                 # Pass:   0     Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:   
                 # Grnd:         Fat:   0     Ser:   0     Min:   0     Unk:   

WEATHER: KEYW 011953Z 03013KT 10SM CLR 26/15 A3016

OTHER DATA
  Activity: Unknown      Phase: Approach      Operation: OTHER


  FAA FSDO: SOUTH FLORIDA, FL  (SO19)             Entry date: 03/03/2008