NTSB issued a safety alert warning pilots to train for partial as well as full power loss in multiengine piston aircraft. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]
Key Takeaways:
The NTSB has issued Safety Alert SA091, highlighting concerns over multiengine airplane accidents linked to pilots mishandling single-engine power loss, particularly partial power loss, leading to a loss of control.
A key issue identified is that propeller "start locks" can engage in flight if RPM drops below a critical threshold, preventing feathering and causing significant drag that exacerbates control difficulties.
Pilots are urged to specifically train for partial power loss scenarios, understand the mechanics of propeller start locks, and diligently practice emergency procedures like "identify, verify, fix or feather" to ensure timely and correct actions.
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.
