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 multiengine airplane accidents caused by pilots' failure to properly manage propellers after single-engine power loss, particularly partial power loss.
A key factor in these incidents is propeller "start locks" engaging in flight if RPM drops below a critical threshold, preventing feathering, creating significant drag, and potentially leading to a loss of control.
The NTSB urges pilots to train extensively for both partial and full engine power loss scenarios, understand the RPM limits for propeller feathering, and diligently practice emergency procedures like "identify, verify, fix or feather."
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.
