A Turnback Fails

Failure of an airplane’s single engine shortly after takeoff is an event all pilots dread. When it happens, we’re low and slow. We lack the potential energy of speed and altitude, have little time to respond and few options. When such a failure happens, it’s natural—in some ways—for a pilot to want to be back on the runway he or she just used. It’s right there—behind us—and seemingly offers several solutions to our problems. One thing the runway has going for it is, well, it’s a runway. We know it’s a perfectly good runway because we just used it. Another attraction is resources: There’s usually a maintenance facility or at least a mechanic who can set things right. If only we can make it back to the runway we just departed, this pesky engine failure will be okay.

Key Takeaways:

• Attempting to turn back to the departure runway after a single-engine failure shortly after takeoff is highly risky and often unsuccessful due to insufficient energy (speed and altitude) and the complex maneuver required.
• Instead of a turnback, pilots are generally advised to maintain the best glide attitude and land straight ahead or within a 45-60 degree angle from the runway centerline, utilizing available open fields or highways.
• A fatal accident involving a Beech Bonanza illustrates the dangers of attempting a turnback after engine failure, where the pilot crashed despite other safer, straight-ahead landing sites being available.

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