During a recent recurrent training period in our human factors class, the check airman instructor asked for a show of hands for those who had experienced an engine failure during their careers at the airline. The classroom consisted of about 30 well-seasoned pilots. Barely a quarter of the class raised their hands. The same question was asked for anyone who had experienced more than one engine failure. I scanned the room. My hand was the only one raised. Really?
Memories of Interesting Airline Moments
Key Takeaways:
- The author, a seasoned pilot, has uniquely experienced multiple in-flight engine failures throughout his career, a rarity among his peers.
- He details three distinct incidents across different aircraft (Twin Otter, 767, 727) caused by issues like a faulty sensor, an erroneous fuel control unit shutdown, and an internal bearing failure.
- In each instance, prompt pilot decision-making, adherence to emergency procedures, and the inherent reliability of aircraft systems led to safe and uneventful resolutions.
- The experiences offered valuable lessons, underscoring the importance of assertive decision-making, effective crew communication, and transparent passenger updates during emergencies.
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