AFA M10-100 Pondskipper

AFA M10-100 Pondskipper
Narrow-body airliner
An AFA M-10-100 of Hook Brznair
National Origin		Fortis
Production History
Designer		Anderophl Fortiska Aeronautical
Unit Cost		42,573(√)
Number Built		50
Service History
Used By		Hook Brzinair

The M10-100 is a Fortis narrow-body airliner produced by Anderophl Fortiska Aeronautical at its Fedlithe factory in Fortis. The twin turboprop-fan engine liner was designed as an attempt at a cost-effective regional liner for the Baskay and Veiidic areas. AFA originally envisioned the AFA M10-100 as a turbojet, but went with a more cost-effective turboprop-fan after considering various Proole liner powerplants.

The design was prototyped in 2160, and saw first flight service with Hook Brznair in 2166. The liner has seen moderate success, but it failed to meet the design goal of being cost-effectiveness. Zokesian CWI W-2022 Comforjets have been routinely purchased instead, having longer range for a slightly decreased cost, and as a result, the Pondskipper is usually only purchased by companies either blacklisted by Zokesia, or for logistics purposes, as the turbopropfans are easier to maintain despite the increased maintenance cost.

Incidents and Losses

Loss of HKB417

On September 20th, 2170, Flight HKB-441 between West Hook International and Fedithe Laythi Honor International Airport suffered a total loss as the craft, a AFA M10-100 Pondskipper disintegrated mid-flight, killing all 30 individuals on board. Thankfully, the aircraft had not been full capacity, but the disaster was still one of the most deadly in recent Fortisian history. The black box of the craft was never found, and no hull remains have ever been discovered. The only remains of the craft include parts of the Tail, including the Craft's Tail Number, which washed up on Fish Island a year later. Several Inquiries were made into the safety of the Pondskipper class, but no structural issues were ever found with other existing aircraft, which have remained operational without major incident since the fatal loss. The company took a dire hit to passengers and stocks for almost four years as a result. The company incurred such a loss that multiple deals for new terminals worldwide were cancelled as public perception in the then fledgling airline dropped significantly. Flight Number 417 was retired as a result and the route number replaced with HKB-500.