How would that plane hold 17 passangers?!
Aircraft Data for: Pilatus PC-12
Updated: Mar. 18th 2009
Summary:
The Pilatus PC-12 is a single-engine turboprop primarily used as an executive corporate VIP transport aircraft but also increasingly with small regional airliner operators also air ambulance and flying doctor services.
The United States Air Force operates the PC-12 designated U-28A for special operations.
Country of origin: Switzerland First flight: 1991 No. built: 770 No. in service: 770 (approx.) Crew: 1 PASSENGERS: 6 - 9
Power: 1 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A (500 - 1940 shp) or Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6B (981 shp) turboshaft engine
Dimensions:
Length: 47 ft. 3 in.
Wing Span: 53 ft. 3 in.
Height: 14 ft. 3 in.
Empty Weight: 5,867 lbs.
Max. Weight: 10,450 lbs.
Performance:
Max. speed: 312 mph
Cruise speed: 312 mph
Ceiling: 30,000 ft.
Normal range: 1,513 nm
Max. range: 2,593 nm
An aviation expert on Fox was asking the same thing. The specs call for a max of 10 passengers and two crew. If they are correct about the model of the plane and the number of victims, it's possibly that very young children being held on laps are involved. I pray that's not true.