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 tragic accident involving highly experienced pilots highlights the critical importance of being prepared for a loss of engine power on takeoff (LOTOTO).
Pilots often lack adequate training and briefing for single-engine LOTOTO, leading to fatal errors like attempting to stretch a glide or making steep turns to return to the runway.
Survival depends on immediate, precise actions: knowing and pitching for the correct emergency airspeed, identifying abort points, and prioritizing a landing straight ahead in a suitable area over a risky low-altitude turn back to the runway.

See a mistake? Contact us.

“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.