The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released a new episode of its Reality Check video series focused on a topic that never seems to lose any energy, at least in the debate: the 180-degree turn back to the runway after an engine failure just after takeoff. Traditionally, most of the debate focuses on how few pilots are able to successfully execute this (actually) 270-degree-plus maneuver because it requires a significant amount of planning, as well as a serious understanding of the glide characteristics of the aircraft being flown. Each one is a little different.
AOPA’s Air Safety Institute Releases Video About “The Impossible Turn”
Key Takeaways:
- AOPA’s Air Safety Institute (ASI) released a "Reality Check" video investigating the controversial 180-degree turn back to the runway after an engine failure on takeoff.
- Based on a fatal Bonanza crash, ASI's research involved testing various aircraft to assess the maneuver's feasibility.
- The tests indicated that returning to the runway is nearly impossible for high-glide-speed aircraft like the A36 Bonanza, even with planning, though lighter aircraft had more success.
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