"J.Kahn" wrote in message
...
The lack of crashworthiness inherent in the BD 5's configuration makes
engine reliability really critical. In the end the jet version is
probably the safest one due to the better reliability of a turbojet.

Actually, both of these statements are incorrect.

These two pictures show what's left of a Canadian BD-5 that landed in a
raspberry patch and essentially tore itself apart.

http://www.bd5.com/Canada/Canada01.jpg
http://www.bd5.com/Canada/Canada02.jpg

The man holding the pieces is the builder and pilot. He walked away. About
30% of accidents involving BD-5's are fatal. 23% of RV-6 accidents have been
fatal, and that's not counting the fact that some of those accidents had
more than one victim. You can verify that yourself on the NTSB web site.

The Microturbo TRS-18 that is most commonly used on the BD-5J is a very
finicky engine in many respects. For example, any minor deviation on fuel
pressure can cause the engine to shut down. The fuel pumps are very critical
components, which is why at least one of the operators is heavily involved
in designing replacement components and reengineering a portion of the fuel
system to increase reliability in this area. The irony is that even though
BD-5J's are mostly used for homeland security as cruise missile surrogates,
Microturbo, with facilities in Grand Prairie, TX, refuses to cooperate. They
won't even sell parts, directly or through the military.




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