Aircraft Reciprocating-Engine Failure - Pilot und Flugzeug

3.4 Hazards created by reciprocating-engine failure
The failure of an engine powering an aircraft propulsion system can create a hazard
during aircraft operation by reducing aircraft performance, adversely affecting
aircraft control and stability, and exposing the flight crew to a period of abnormal
operation.
Figure 3.2:
Engine failure consequence diagram
There are two possible defences for the hazard created by engine failure:
1. Pilot training to respond to the period of abnormal operation
2. Engine reliability.
3.4.1 Pilot response
The UK AAIB investigation of a fatal accident in which a Cessna 404 crashed
shortly after takeoff during an attempt to return to the airfield following responses
to a set of confusing signs and symptoms related to engine malfunction, discusses
the issue of pilot response to engine failure in this class of aircraft (UK AAIB report
2/2001).
The investigation established that accessory gear-train damage in the left engine
resulted in the progressive loss of all thrust from the left engine. The right engine
showed no evidence of mechanical malfunction, however, the right propeller had
been feathered.
The response to an engine failure in a twin-engine aircraft is based on correctly
identifying the failed engine, securing it, climbing away if necessary and flying a
single-engine approach and landing to a runway. Further, an engine failure after
takeoff in a twin-engine aircraft requires immediate, prioritised and accurate
corrective action from the handling pilot because of limitations in climb
performance.
The affect of an unexpected, complete, engine failure on aircraft behaviour and
pilot response is different to the affect of a progressive loss of power and final
engine failure.
The AAIB concluded that the handling skills required to successfully overcome an
unexpected engine failure, shortly after takeoff, in a twin-engine, aircraft are among
the most demanding of skills required by any aircraft pilot and that mishandled turn
backs are often fatal (UK AAIB report 2/2001).
A review of accident data for twin reciprocating-engine powered aircraft provides
further evidence demonstrating the critical nature of engine failures in this class of
aircraft (AVweb, 2003).
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