A cursory search says that type of plane had recent version with “12 seats”, expanded from the earliest versions which appear to have been certified first in 1991. I’m not enough of an aviation aficionado know if “12 seats” refers typically to 12 “passenger” seats (with crew and jump seats additional) or total seats. Anyone know if there was a legitimate way to seat 17 on this type of aircraft?
heard on fox news that the plane was originally designed to carry 6 to 8 passengers. may have been out of balance.
I dug intot his a bit more
THe A/C was a Pilatus PC-12/45 and rated by the FAA as ‘12 passenger’. So 17 pax and luggage - not good.
The mag admits that ‘P factor’ is pornounced on the airframe and some later modle have strakes added to the tial section to help smooth out the airflow.
Prayers for the families.