Pilatus PC-12 Single-Turboprop Executive Aircraft, Switzerland

The Pilatus PC-12 is a corporate commuter and utility turboprop aircraft. The aircraft's first flight was in 1991. The aircraft is certified in 20 countries and over 800 PC-12 aircraft have been delivered.

The aircraft, which seats up to nine passengers, is configured in VIP, business passenger and combined passenger / cargo configurations. The aircraft is also supplied in the PC-12 Spectre variant which is a family of special mission surveillance aircraft.

The aircraft is operated by the Argentinian Border Guard, South African Red Cross, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Australian Flying Doctor Service. Over 300 PC-12 aircraft are operating in USA and Mexico.

Other countries where the aircraft is deployed include: Europe – Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Switzerland; Africa – Kenya, Zimbabwe; Asia – India; Far East – Japan; Americas – Belize, Bermuda. Fractional ownership schemes in USA and in Switzerland are managed by Alpha Flying's PlaneSense in Nashua and by Lions Air TimeJet in Zurich.

The PC-12 is certified for flight for single pilot commercial instrument flight rules (IFR) operation and for operation in known icy conditions. The aircraft can operate from short fields, grass and unmade runways. The cruise speed is 500km/hr and the maximum range with visual flight rules reserves is over 3,700km.

The aircraft has been involved in a series of accidents, the recent being at the Bert Mooney Airport, Butte, Montana in March 2009.

PC-12 next generation

In October 2006, Pilatus announced the PC-12 next-generation programme. The new aircraft will have new Honeywell Primus Apex integrated avionics with four large displays and an uprated Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67P engine.

Other new systems include a digital dual-zone environmental control system, fully automatic digital cabin pressurisation control system and a fully redundant power generation and distribution system. There is also a new cockpit environment designed by BMW Group DesignworksUSA.

The aircraft made its first transatlantic flight in March 2007 and received US and European certification in April 2008. The first aircraft was delivered in May 2008. Orders have been placed for 200 next-generation aircraft and, by December 2008, 50 aircraft had been delivered.

Flight deck

The cockpit has a two-seat flight deck. Certification allows single-pilot operation but the customer can select to have a second set of flight instruments installed for the option of two-pilot operation.

The avionics system includes a Honeywell Bendix King EHI 40/50 electronic flight information system with 102mm or 127mm displays and a Honeywell KFC 325 autopilot. The navigation suite is based on a Honeywell Bendix King KLN 90B global positioning system and a Litef LCR-92 attitude and heading reference system.

The navigation systems include a Honeywell RDR 2000 weather radar installed in the starboard wing pod, KN 63 distance measuring equipment, KR 87 automatic direction finder, KNI 582 radio magnetic indicator, KRA 405 radar altimeter and a KEA 130A encoding altimeter which provides a digitised output to an output transponder for transmission to air traffic control. A terrain collision avoidance system, TCAS 66A, can be installed as an option.

The communications suite includes a Bendix King dual KXC 165A navigation and communications VHF transceiver and a KMA 24H internal communication system. A Bendix King HF radio type KHF 950 can be fitted as an option. Additional communications systems include a KT 70 S transponder, KR21 marker beacon receiver and SEPRE IESM emergency locator transponder.

PC-12 cabin

The 9.34m³ cabin can be configured for six to nine passenger seats. The baggage area is in-flight accessible.

A luxurious executive configuration provides two crew seats, six executive chairs and fitted cabinets and tables. The executive chairs can be arranged for private relaxation or for work with conference style seating for four.

A combi-conversion kit is provided for securing cargo during mixed four- or six-seat passenger / cargo operations. The standard commuter seating or the executive cabin can easily be converted to a combination passenger and cargo layout which provides a large usable cargo area in the aft of the cabin.

The cabin has a standard forward passenger door and large aft cargo door, 0.64m x 1.35m.

Medical evacuation

For the medical evacuation and air ambulance role the cabin is fitted for two or three stretcher patients and medical attendants. The cabin is fitted with life support systems.

Turboprop engine

The PC-12 aircraft is powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67B turboprop engine developing up to 895kW. The engine drives a four-bladed Hartzell HC-E4A-3D/ E 10477K propeller. The two wing tanks provide a total fuel capacity of 1,540l.

PC-12 accidents

In March 2009, a PC-12 crashed on approach to runway 33 at Bert Mooney Airport, Butte, Montana. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash, killing all 14 people on board.

Eagle Capital Leasing owned and operated the aircraft to use it as a personal transportation flight. The aircraft was constructed by Pilatus with construction number 403 and was certified during September 2002.

In September 2008, a PC-12 manufactured during the same year crashed north-east of Santa Fe Airport. The aircraft, operated by private pilot, was registered with the FAA on a standard airworthiness certificate for normal operations.

According to a report by the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft pitched down and crashed at a steep angle while it was diverting left towards the airport. In addition, the report also revealed that the aircraft had not been involved in any maintenance programme since its sale.

Prior to this, PC-12 had been in three fatal accidents. One was a training error, while another was involved in round-the-world attempt. The third one was in normal service.

The normal service aircraft crash occurred due to loss of control during the landing approach, killing six people on board.