If we could answer this question, we could also turn lead to gold and all of our computer hardware would actually play when plugged. In the end, however, we think there are too many variables to say with assurance that an extra engine really does improve the safety margin for the average owner-pilot. We emphasize average as a means of noting that not all owners pursue the recurrent training required to make them competent in twins. We think the best you can do is analyze the twin-engine accident record across a range of models, try to determine how and why twins crash, then decide for yourself whether the risks of flying a twin are more or less manageable than those involved with flying a single.Ĭontinuing our examination of accident records for individual models, weve reviewed the NTSB reports for six twins, ranging from the Piper PA-23 Apache/Aztec series to Cessnas popular 421 cabin-class cruiser. We looked at 545 accidents during the five years between 19.Īnd once again, the regular dose of salt. Because of coding errors in NTSB reports, were sure we didnt see all of the accidents. Moreover, NTSB reports sometimes dont give final cause or the final cause may be incorrect. In some cases, then, weve read the factual reports, taken them at face value, and assigned our own apparent final cause.

One of the biggest uncertainties comes from the fact that accurate data on hours flown for each model just doesnt exist. The only legitimate means of measuring one machine against another is on an accidents-per-hours-flown basis, so weve used estimates for each model provided by the Aircraft Bluebook Digest.

Crossfeed drains on piper seneca series#.

Piper seneca crossfeed drains