The sole DM-165 at Meaux-Esbly airfield near Paris in June 1969

 

The DM-165 was a French tandem two-seat low-wing monoplane designed by Michel Dalotel. Powered by a 165 hp (121 kW) Continental IO-346A flat-four piston engine. It had a tailwheel and retractable landing gear which folded inwards. Dalotel was assisted by Société Poulet in the construction of the prototype, registered F-PPZE, which was first flown in April 1969. The aircraft was successfully tested during 1970 but despite efforts to market the aircraft none were ordered. Only the prototype was built.

 

 

The aircraft was based at Meaux-Esbly airfield, to the west of Paris, for several years and was then sold to a pilot owner in the United Kingdom and registered G-BILA.

 

 

The aircraft had a forced landing in a cornfield due to fuel management issues in about 1983. The aircraft was damaged in the accident and flipped over onto its back, significantly damaging the RH wing, and doing minor damage to the LH wing, fuselage, cowl, and tail section.

 

The aircraft was put into storage for years and was subsequently sold to a gentleman in the US (Idaho) who imported the remains for rebuild and restoration. After some work was done on it, it was sold to a gentleman in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where it is currently being restored.

 

Dalotel DM-165

Powerplant: 1 × Continental IO-346A, 121 kW (165 hp)

Wingspan: 8.40 m (27 ft 6.75 in)

Height: 1.76 m (5 ft 9.25 in)

Wing area: 12.30 m² (132.40 sq ft)

Length: 6.96 m (22 ft 10 in)

Maximum speed: 300 km/h (186 mph, 162 kn)

Crew: two