Originally Posted by
Gynob001
1) Is the "weight distribution/balance" arbitarily determined or is there a gadget in the cockpit that indicates plane weight imbalance?
It's calculated based on the weight of the load at different locations. If the CG (center of gravity) is too far forward, moving load (passengers) from front to back will help.
2) In an otherwise full plane carrying over 60 people, does the "re-distribution" of a couple of people make a difference?
If you are just a tad bit forward of the CG envelope, moving a couple of pax may be all it takes.
I bet you never thought of yourself as human ballast, did you?
3) Has there been any incidence where imbalance played a role in any accident?
Yes. Often it is not the only factor causing the accident by itself, but one factor in a chain. The January 2003 US Airways Express in Charlotte was one.