If a plane's engine fails in flight, the pilots will first attempt to restart the engine using power from other engines or the auxiliary power unit (APU). If the engine cannot be restarted, the aircraft becomes a glider. The pilots will then execute emergency procedures to safely land the plane. The outcome depends on several factors, including the altitude, the location (over land or water), and the type of aircraft.
Understanding the Emergency Response
- Engine Restart Attempts: Pilots are trained to attempt restarting a failed engine. This often utilizes power from the remaining functional engines or the APU.
- Gliding Capabilities: Airplanes can glide significant distances after an engine failure. This gliding ability allows for a controlled descent to a suitable landing area.
- Emergency Landing Procedures: Pilots initiate emergency landing procedures which include selecting a suitable landing spot, communicating with air traffic control, and preparing the aircraft and passengers for landing. Over land, this will be an airport or other suitable landing area. Over water, this will be a water landing.
Factors Influencing Outcome
- Altitude: Higher altitudes allow for longer glide distances.
- Location: The proximity of suitable landing sites is critical. A successful landing is much more likely over land.
- Aircraft Type: Different aircraft have different gliding characteristics.
Example Scenarios
- Single-Engine Failure: In a single-engine aircraft, a complete engine failure leads to immediate gliding and an emergency landing.
- Multi-Engine Failure: In multi-engine aircraft, if all engines fail, the aircraft will glide; the pilots will strive to reach the closest suitable landing site.
The provided references corroborate these points, highlighting the importance of pilot training, emergency procedures, and the aircraft's inherent gliding capabilities. The ability of the aircraft to glide allows for a controlled descent, maximizing the chance of a successful landing, even with engine failure.
