Loss of Thrust on Takeoff

I have written far too many stories about fatal accidents that were attributed to an uncommanded loss of engine power.

Tuesday, February 06, 2024 at 11:06 AM ET

Verified

When flying with another pilot, the loss of thrust or controllability on takeoff briefing needs to include who will be pilot flying, because two pilots fighting over the controls is not going to help. [Image by Tom Gouw/Pexels]

Key Takeaways:

The article stresses the critical importance of preparing for engine loss on takeoff (LOTOTO), using a fatal accident involving highly experienced pilots to highlight its universal relevance.
It identifies a gap in standard pilot training regarding LOTOTO procedures for single-engine aircraft, emphasizing the need for pilots to know specific emergency airspeeds and perform pre-takeoff calculations, including defining an abort point.
Pilots are urged to conduct thorough pre-takeoff briefings that verbalize actions for engine failure scenarios: aborting on the runway, landing straight ahead, or making gentle turns to suitable landing areas, explicitly cautioning against dangerous low-altitude turns back to the runway.
The author strongly advocates for mandatory LOTOTO briefings, providing practical tips like using quick reference cards, and asserts that such preparedness is vital for safety, not fear-inducing.

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“We have a problem, and we’re returning to the airport.”

These were the words of Richard McSpadden Jr., who was aboard the Cessna 177RG Cardinal belonging to former NFL tight end turned FBO owner Russ Francis. The pair launched from the airport in Lake Placid, New York, on October 1 for a photo flight for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. McSpadden, the senior vice president of the AOPA Air Safety Institute, was a commercially rated pilot who had flown with the Air Force Thunderbirds.