Snap !-
Strange and wondrous are the ways of coincidence; not to mention how operational 'logic' eventually surfaces. The Beaver accident in Jerusalem Bay is a case in point. Two items of interest have surfaced; one being the widespread lack of faith in the ATSB's investigation, coincident with the somewhat 'tardy' investigation of CO levels (from the engine exhaust) as a possible cause.
Lead Balloon, on the UP – HERE – touches on a very relevant safety issue; which has been around, unattended, for many years now. Most who have flown GA aircraft have seen the 'card' type CO detector stuck on the dash – LB mentions the dubious 'reliability' of these cards. It begs the question; if there is known reliability doubt, why has there been no positive steps taken toward education and awareness? Why have the ATSB not investigated the possibility and published the results? Should it been demonstrated that the ' CO card' is of little value, then steps must be taken to eliminate the possibility of accident due to CO. Maintenance of the aircraft exhaust system should eliminate the possibility – however – as we all know – Murphy is an ever present passenger.
FW47 weighed in and beat us to posting the link to AOPA (USA) – HERE -: this article is worth the time to read through. But, read it carefully the 'cause' of the CO intake is buried in the somewhat 'dramatic' text; although that may be forgiven as the article is scripted to 'drive home' a valid point.
Exhaust systems are the primary safeguard – the warning system a backup. Daily pre flight inspection in single engine involves opening the cowls – nothing hanging, nothing dripping and the exhaust firmly attached. Lesson one; day one.
Is there a 'statistical' need to mandate a warning system? – probably not. But, if I ever owned a single engine aircraft (unlikely in the extreme) I'd spend the dollars – just to be sure – to be sure.
Toot – toot.
Strange and wondrous are the ways of coincidence; not to mention how operational 'logic' eventually surfaces. The Beaver accident in Jerusalem Bay is a case in point. Two items of interest have surfaced; one being the widespread lack of faith in the ATSB's investigation, coincident with the somewhat 'tardy' investigation of CO levels (from the engine exhaust) as a possible cause.
Lead Balloon, on the UP – HERE – touches on a very relevant safety issue; which has been around, unattended, for many years now. Most who have flown GA aircraft have seen the 'card' type CO detector stuck on the dash – LB mentions the dubious 'reliability' of these cards. It begs the question; if there is known reliability doubt, why has there been no positive steps taken toward education and awareness? Why have the ATSB not investigated the possibility and published the results? Should it been demonstrated that the ' CO card' is of little value, then steps must be taken to eliminate the possibility of accident due to CO. Maintenance of the aircraft exhaust system should eliminate the possibility – however – as we all know – Murphy is an ever present passenger.
FW47 weighed in and beat us to posting the link to AOPA (USA) – HERE -: this article is worth the time to read through. But, read it carefully the 'cause' of the CO intake is buried in the somewhat 'dramatic' text; although that may be forgiven as the article is scripted to 'drive home' a valid point.
Exhaust systems are the primary safeguard – the warning system a backup. Daily pre flight inspection in single engine involves opening the cowls – nothing hanging, nothing dripping and the exhaust firmly attached. Lesson one; day one.
Is there a 'statistical' need to mandate a warning system? – probably not. But, if I ever owned a single engine aircraft (unlikely in the extreme) I'd spend the dollars – just to be sure – to be sure.
Toot – toot.