DONE 4D Emergencies - Engine Failure

Question 0

• AIRPLANE ONLY*

2. If an engine failure occurs immediately after takeoff, what procedure is recommended? (POH)

Answer 0

If an engine failure occurs immediately after takeoff, and before a safe maneuvering altitude is attained, it is usually inadvisable to attempt to turn back to the field from which the takeoff was made. Instead, it is generally safer to immediately establish the proper glide attitude, and select a field directly ahead or slightly to either side of the takeoff path.
The following checklist should be completed:
a. Establish an airspeed of 70 KIAS (flaps up) or 65 KIAS (flaps down).
b. Set mixture to “Idle Cut-off.”
c. Set fuel selector valve to “Off.”
d. Set ignition switch to “Off.”
e. Set wing flaps as required (30 degrees is recommended).
f. Set master switch “Off.”

Question 1

• AIRPLANE ONLY*

1. In the event of a complete engine failure on takeoff, what procedure is recommended? (POH)

Answer 1

If an engine failure occurs during the takeoff run, the following checklist should be completed:

a. Retard the throttle to idle.
b. Apply pressure to the brakes.
c. Retract the wing flaps.
d. Set the mixture control to “Idle Cut-off.”
e. Turn the ignition switch to “Off.”
f. Turn the master switch to “Off.”

Question 2

• AIRPLANE ONLY*

3. What is the recommended procedure to be followed for an engine failure while en route? (POH)

Answer 2

The first priority is to establish a best-glide airspeed. Then, select an emergency landing area and remain within gliding distance. As time permits, try to determine the cause of the failure (no fuel, carburetor ice, etc.). Attempt an engine restart if possible. The recommended checklist for this procedure is:

a. Establish an airspeed of 75 KIAS.
b. Set carburetor heat on.
c. Set the fuel selector valve to “Both.”
d. Set the mixture control to “Rich.”
e. Turn the ignition switch to “Both”; if the propeller has stopped, turn the ignition switch to “Start.”
f. Check that the primer control is pushed in and is “Locked.”

Question 3

• AIRPLANE ONLY*

4. What is the recommended power-off gliding speed in an engine-out procedure? (POH)

Answer 3

73 KIAS at 2,650 pounds.

Question 4

• AIRPLANE ONLY*
  5. After experiencing an engine failure immediately after takeoff (before reaching safe maneuvering altitude), why is it usually inadvisable to attempt a landing on the runway you have just departed from? (FAA-H-8083-3)

Answer 4

The ability to make a 180° turn does not necessarily mean that the departure runway can be reached in a power-off glide; this depends on the wind, the distance traveled during the climb, the height reached, and the glide distance of the airplane without power. The pilot should also remember that a turn back to the departure runway will in fact require more than a 180° change in direction.

Question 5

• AIRPLANE ONLY*
  6. Explain the approximate altitude loss and factors to consider when maneuvering an airplane that has just taken off, experienced an engine failure at 300 feet AGL, and is attempting to turn back to the departure runway.

Answer 5

The turn back to the runway will require approximately 270 degrees (180 degrees to get turned around, 45 degrees to get pointed at the runway, and 45 degrees for final alignment with the runway). Using a standard rate turn of 3° per second, it will take approximately 90 seconds to make the turn. If the airplane descends at approximately 500 fpm, it will have descended approximately 750 feet, placing it 450 feet below the runway. Other factors to consider:

a. The initial reaction time of 4 seconds and corresponding loss of airspeed and altitude.
b. The downwind turn must be made immediately, which increases the ground speed and rushes the pilot even more in the performance and planning of the procedure.
c. The apparent increase in ground speed could mislead the pilot into attempting to prematurely slow the airplane down, resulting in a possible stall.
d. The pilot will tend to use steeper bank angles than required for a standard rate turn, resulting in an increase in load factor, stall speed, and rate of descent.
e. The airplane will lose considerable altitude during the turn and might still be in a bank when the ground is contacted.