FLYING Magazine Training and Proficiency

How Pilots Can Prepare for Unexpected Power Loss

Here's a review of the correct response and how to avoid common mistakes in an engine-out situation.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

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Often pilots seem to misunderstand what is happening when the engine fails. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

Effective training for engine power loss is crucial, emphasizing learning from NTSB reports and accident debriefs to understand critical decision points.
The most common causes of uncommanded engine power loss are fuel mismanagement (e.g., poor planning, incorrect tank use) and carburetor icing, which can occur even in mild temperatures.
Pilots must practice diligent fuel calculations, maintain ample reserves beyond regulatory minimums, and proactively manage carburetor icing conditions.
Improved training should teach pilots to recognize power loss through a comprehensive instrument scan (including tachometer, manifold pressure, and altimeter) and continuously scout for emergency landing options, addressing misconceptions from traditional training methods.

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“My airplane.”

I was only five hours into my private pilot training when Dutch, my CFI, gave this command.

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.