On Jan 17, 6:45*am, Peter Higgs
wrote:
Hi All, When we first saw those pictures of the passengers standing on
the wings we did not realise that there were no engines on the underside
of the wings. They had snapped off in the landing, making the plane a
much better boat.

I wonder if this is an Airbus design feature, which could be activated by
the 'Ditch Switch'. Next time I see any of the lads from Chester, I
will ask them just what the Ditch Switch does.

They certainly make very good planes at Broughton.

Pilot Pete

I'm pretty sure it's a design feature. The underwing mounting of big
fans like that creates a pretty big downward pitching moment when they
hit something as dense as water. It could easily cause the plane to
submarine/break up/tumble upon contact with the water. The force is in
the opposite direction as typical thrust loads and presumably you can
design a mount that shears under that type of load.

I doubt you'd need (or want!) a button that sheds the engines, though
it raises the possibility of all kinds of practical jokes in the
cockpit.

9B