http://nhwgcap.org/_safe2/index.php?opt ... 36:general
Engine Failure on Takeoff – Turn Back or Land Straight Ahead?
A lot has been written about this question: what should I do if I have an engine failure at low altitude during takeoff? If you ask several pilots, you will likely get equally strong but varying opinions. However, the majority view seems to favor the “land ahead” alternative, and probably with good justification considering the following.
- After becoming aware of the engine failure, studies indicate most people take about four seconds to react. How much airspeed and altitude would that cost you?
- You will really have to push hard nose over to regain airspeed, probably more than you’d think. And if you’ve been holding right rudder to offset p factor, quickly neutralize the rudder to avoid a spin.
- If you elect to turn back, it won’t be just a 180 degree turn to line up with the runway, but maybe more like 270 degrees. And do you remember the wind direction, so you will turn into the wind?
- If you hit the ground wings-level and at the slowest possible speed, you have a good chance of walking away from the scene. If you stall/spin the airplane you have a high probability of being killed.
- In attempting a turnback, a 30 degree bank at just above stall speed (the stall warning horn may be chirping at you, but not blaring) is probably the best tradeoff between minimizing turn radius and safe execution. Can you do this under stress?
- If you successfully execute a turn, remember that you now will be landing with a tail wind, thereby increasing the speed and potential impact energy.
-
A Canadian study reported that if an engine failure occurs, the pilot is about eight times as likely to be killed in a turnback vs. landing straight ahead.
Obviously, an engine failure at 1,000 ft. AGL is a different challenge than one at 600 ft. AGL, and may justify a different decision. But another big factor is individual pilot skill. A good way to assess your ability would be to go out and do some practices with another pilot or instructor (so you don’t know when the power will be chopped), at least 3,500 – 4,000 ft. AGL, and see how long it takes you to react and how much altitude you lose in completing a 180 degree+ turn. This will give you a better idea of what might be a minimum decision height before you attempt a turnback if the engine quits.
So prior to taking the runway for departure, know where the potential off-field landing sites are if you elect to continue straight ahead or slightly right or left if the engine fails. And remember the wind direction and therefore which way you’ll head if you reach the minimum altitude you’ve established before attempting to turn back. Including these items as part of the pre-takeoff briefing will help both you and your crew know what to do/expect if the rainy day scenario happens.
Safe flying!
Carroll Bewley
Lt Col, CAP
Director of Safety, NH Wing
Timing is everything.