What Happens if a Plane Engine Fails in the Air?
If a plane engine fails in the air, the outcome depends on several factors, including the number of engines on the plane, the altitude, and the pilot's skill.
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Single Engine Failure (on multi-engine aircraft): Modern aircraft are designed to fly safely on fewer engines than they possess. If one engine fails on a plane with two or more engines, the aircraft can usually maintain altitude and continue to fly. The pilots will follow established procedures to divert to the nearest suitable airport. The plane will lose some thrust, but the remaining engine(s) provide sufficient power for a controlled descent and landing. [Reference: Reddit ELI5, Aviation Stack Exchange, Quora, Simple Flying, Popular Mechanics].
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Multiple Engine Failures (or all engine failures): If all engines fail, the aircraft loses all thrust. This means the plane will begin to descend immediately due to gravity. [Reference: HowStuffWorks, FlightDeckFriend, ScienceABC]. The aircraft will still be able to glide, but this is not a powered flight. The distance and time the plane can glide depend on its initial altitude and airspeed. The pilot's primary goal is to find a safe place to land. While not always successful, a skilled pilot can often execute a successful emergency landing in such a situation. [Reference: HowStuffWorks, Aviation Stack Exchange]. However, an uncontrollable aircraft following total engine failure significantly reduces the chance of survival. [Reference: Aviation Stack Exchange].
The Glide
Regardless of the number of engines failing, if there is no thrust, the plane will lose altitude and glide. This glide phase is crucial, allowing the pilot to reach a suitable landing spot. [Reference: HowStuffWorks, FlightDeckFriend]. The pilot will use the aircraft's control surfaces to adjust the glide path, aiming for a safe landing area, such as an airport or a suitable field. [Reference: Quora, ScienceABC].
Pilot's Actions
Following an engine failure, the pilot's actions are critical. They will:
- Assess the situation and declare an emergency.
- Follow established emergency procedures.
- Attempt to restart the failed engine(s) if possible.
- Identify a suitable landing site.
- Execute a controlled descent and landing.
In summary, while an engine failure is a serious event, modern aircraft and pilot training often enable safe outcomes, particularly in the case of single engine failures on multi-engine aircraft. However, a complete loss of all engines presents a more challenging situation, requiring skilled piloting and favorable conditions for a successful landing.
