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BOWL
Aviation LLC
315
Brandywine Drive
Colorado
Springs, CO 80906
719
527 8773
October 27, 1999
Sherman Hall
Advanced Aero Safety, Inc.
1938 Forest ill Road
Camano Island, WA 98292
Dear
Sherman:
In
early September of this year we purchased a Cessna 421 C with the Low
Thrust Detector System installed that your firm markets, installs and
maintains. Prior to our purchase and during the due diligence process we
had independently decided that regardless of what cabin class twin we
acquired ‑ we would equip it with the Low Thrust Detector System.
It was our conclusion that the margin of safety offered by the
notification this system provided during an unexpected reduced power
situation ‑ and, quite naturally, a takeoff scenario figured high
in our evaluation ‑justified the acquisition cost.
Quite
recently the actual and practical value of this system was put to the
test. The aircraft configuration was: 8 passengers, max gross weight and
takeoff from an airport with a field elevation of 6,184 feet; density
altitude at takeoff of 7,000 + feet. We had a normal run up and takeoff
roll. Our rotation speed for this takeoff would be blue line for this
aircraft, or 111 KIAS. At about 80 KIAS during the takeoff roll the low
thrust detector sounded and lit up and we experienced a yaw to the left
while on the runway. We were able to close the throttles and safely
abort the takeoff.
Upon
examination by the mechanics it was discovered that the left magneto
gear on the left engine had lost 25% of its teeth. We probably could
have gotten the airplane off the ground and around for a landing;
however, we are reminded of the phrase "I would rather be on the
ground wishing I was flying than be flying and wish I was on the
ground."
We credit the low Thrust Detector System
with providing us with a timely, recognizable and unmistakable signal
that we had an engine problem in a critical flight condition.
Without a doubt this warning gave us an edge that facilitated our
ability to make an informed and immediate decision in what may have been
an extremely critical situation.
Best regards
Michael Baker
Managing Partner
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