What do pilots do if engines fail?

Pilots are rigorously trained to handle engine failure by prioritizing aircraft control, navigation, and communication, aiming to land safely.

Immediate Actions: The "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate" Principle

Upon experiencing an engine failure, a pilot's immediate response follows a critical sequence known as "Aviate, Navigate, Communicate." This principle ensures the aircraft remains under control before addressing other concerns:

• Aviate: The first and most crucial step is to maintain positive control of the aircraft. This involves establishing the best glide speed for the aircraft type, which allows for the maximum distance covered with a failing engine or no engine power. Maintaining a stable attitude and airspeed is paramount to preventing a stall or loss of control.
• Navigate: Once control is established, the pilot immediately begins to scan for suitable landing sites. This involves identifying potential fields, roads, or airports within gliding distance, while considering factors like terrain, obstacles, and wind direction.
• Communicate: Only after maintaining control and beginning navigation does the pilot communicate the emergency to Air Traffic Control (ATC) or, if outside controlled airspace, broadcast on an appropriate frequency. This includes declaring "Mayday," stating the aircraft callsign, nature of the emergency, and intentions.

Engine Failure During Takeoff

The procedures for engine failure during takeoff are highly time-sensitive and depend on the aircraft's position and altitude:

• Engine Failure Immediately After Liftoff: If an engine fails right after the aircraft leaves the runway, pilots are trained to land straight ahead on any remaining runway. The focus is on maintaining aircraft control with wings level and applying maximum braking immediately upon touchdown to bring the aircraft to a halt as quickly as possible. This scenario allows for the use of the prepared surface of the runway.
• Engine Failure Beyond the Runway: If the engine fails when the aircraft has progressed beyond the point where it can land and stop on the remaining runway, the pilot must use their best judgment and skills to manage the situation. This typically involves selecting the most suitable landing area available straight ahead or within a slight turn, maintaining control, and preparing for an emergency landing outside of an airport environment. This "best effort" scenario highlights the importance of constant vigilance and pre-flight planning for potential emergency landing sites along the takeoff path.

In-Flight Engine Failure Procedures

When an engine fails while cruising at altitude, pilots have more time to react and follow a comprehensive emergency checklist:

1. Establish Best Glide Speed: Immediately adjust pitch to achieve the aircraft's specified best glide speed, optimizing the glide ratio and maximizing time aloft.
2. Troubleshooting (Fingers, Feet, Fuel, Fire):
   • Fuel: Check fuel selectors, quantity, and crossfeed.
   • Mixture: Ensure it's in the correct position (e.g., full rich for restart attempt).
   • Ignition: Check magnetos/ignition system.
   • Propeller: If applicable, feather the propeller on multi-engine aircraft to reduce drag.
   • Air/Mixture: Verify air intake and mixture settings.
   • Emergency Engine Restart: Attempt a restart if the checklist allows and conditions are favorable.
3. Consult Emergency Checklist: Refer to the aircraft's specific POH (Pilot's Operating Handbook) or AFM (Aircraft Flight Manual) for detailed, step-by-step procedures for engine failure. This ensures all critical actions are performed correctly.
4. Identify Landing Site: Continuously scan for suitable landing areas. This includes airports, open fields, clear roads, or any area that minimizes risk to occupants and property. Factors like wind direction, slope, and surface condition are critical considerations.
5. Communicate with ATC: Inform ATC of the emergency, aircraft position, altitude, intentions, and number of souls on board. Activating the emergency transponder code (7700) is also vital.
6. Prepare for Forced Landing:
   • Secure the aircraft (e.g., turn off unnecessary electrical systems, fuel pump, master switch as per checklist).
   • Unlatch doors before touchdown, if applicable, to aid escape.
   • Brief passengers on emergency procedures (brace position, egress).
   • If a multi-engine aircraft experiences a single engine failure, the pilot will typically secure the failed engine, adjust power on the remaining engine(s), and proceed to the nearest suitable airport for a single-engine landing.

Pilot Training and Preparedness

Pilots undergo extensive training to handle engine failures, including simulated emergencies in flight simulators and actual aircraft. This training emphasizes:

• Proficiency in Emergency Procedures: Regular practice of emergency checklists and procedures.
• Situational Awareness: Constantly monitoring aircraft systems, fuel, weather, and potential landing sites.
• Decision-Making Under Pressure: Developing the ability to make rapid, sound judgments in high-stress situations.

The table below summarizes the key steps pilots take:

For more detailed information on pilot training and emergency procedures, refer to resources like the FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge.