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 issued Safety Alert SA091 due to multiengine accidents caused by pilots failing to properly manage propellers during single-engine power loss, particularly partial power loss.
A key problem is that "start locks" can engage in flight if propeller RPM drops below a critical threshold, preventing feathering and creating significant drag, which increases the risk of losing aircraft control.
Pilots are urged to train specifically for partial power loss scenarios, understand propeller feathering limitations, and diligently practice emergency procedures 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.
