Plane Engine Failure During Takeoff or Landing: Survival Strategies and Risks

When an engine on a plane fails during takeoff or landing, the pilot must quickly react to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew. The effectiveness of these strategies depends heavily on the airspeed at which the failure occurs. This article discusses the protocols and survival techniques employed by pilots and airlines in such critical situations.

Initial Steps: Stopping and Landing

Stopping Before Liftoff: If a single engine fails before reaching the decision speed (V1), the pilot must attempt to stop the plane. This is the safest option, especially if there is sufficient runway remaining. The first priority is to ensure the safety of all passengers and prevent a potentially deadly accident.

If the failure happens during the climb, the pilot must still make every effort to land the aircraft, avoiding any sharp turns that could compromise the plane's stability. There is no time to attempt a restart, as precious seconds count in such scenarios.

Handling Airborne Failures

During the climb, if an engine fails, gravity will take over. The pilot must control the plane's descent, aiming for a safe landing with minimal risk to the passengers and crew. This typically involves a steep approach and a swift landing to minimize the plane's momentum.

If the engine fails while the plane is airborne and the pilot is above pattern altitude, the airline follows a modified approach pattern to set up for a landing. The specific procedures vary depending on the type of aircraft and the surrounding terrain.

Takeoff Protocols and Key Speeds

For planes and companies I've flown for, there are three key speeds associated with takeoff: 80 knots (V1), V1, and Vr. These speeds are critical for determining the best course of action in the event of an engine failure.

80 Knots (V1): At 80 knots, the pilot performs an airspeed check and a quick panel scan. Any indicator lights below this speed signal an immediate abort. The decision to continue or abort the takeoff is crucial at this stage, as the runway may be insufficient to safely stop the plane if an engine fails. Delays in decision-making can lead to a higher risk event.

V1: Decision Speed: V1 is the critical speed at which the pilot can still safely continue the takeoff in the event of an engine failure, assuming the remaining runway is sufficient. If the engine fails after V1, the pilot must continue the takeoff, even if it means risking a somewhat longer landing strip. Attempting to abort above V1 is considered extremely risky and can result in the plane leaving the runway completely.

Vr: Rotation Speed: Vr is the speed at which the pilot should rotate the nose of the plane to the recommended takeoff attitude. This speed is reached very quickly after V1.

Emergency Reponses and Maneuvers

Stopping on the Runway: If the engine fails before achieving V1, the pilot will apply the brakes to stop the takeoff. Depending on the airspeed and the runway length, the pilot may still be able to stop the plane in time.

Short Field Takeoff: If the engine fails after V1 but before Vr, the pilot will continue the takeoff, knowing that the plane may land if necessary. The focus is on minimizing the risk to the passengers and crew.

Modified Approach Patterns: For engine failures above pattern altitude, the pilot follows a modified approach pattern, often involving a lower and slower approach to the runway to ensure a safe landing.

In a glider, if the engine rope breaks below 200 feet above the runway, the glider lands ahead of the runway. Above 200 feet, the pilot may have enough altitude to make a controlled turn and land back on the takeoff runway. Wind conditions significantly impact these maneuvers, particularly during a modified approach pattern.

By understanding these critical steps and the roles of the key speeds, pilots can effectively respond to an engine failure, ensuring the safety of all on board.