The Real Risks Of Engine Failures

Before taking steps to minimize the risk of engine failures, we probably should try to quantify it. Thanks to the way U.S. aviation mishaps are cataloged, its safe to say that engine failures happen more often than the data reflect. The sidebar at the bottom of the opposite page goes into greater detail, but its safe to say engine failures that dont result in substantial damage, serious injury or death arent part of the data. In fact, the NTSBs definitions specifically exclude [e]ngine failure or damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged.... The punchline is that official data underestimate the actual and unknown engine-failure rate. Personal experience bears this out.

Robert Wright

Monday, October 29, 2018 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Pilots must actively manage the real, often underestimated, risk of engine failure in piston aircraft through a comprehensive risk management approach.
Mitigate the likelihood of engine failure by prioritizing diligent maintenance practices, such as frequent inspections, oil changes, and engine monitoring, alongside proper operational procedures.
Reduce the severity of engine failure consequences by maintaining proficiency in emergency procedures, utilizing safety equipment (e.g., shoulder harnesses, airframe parachute), flying at higher altitudes for more glide time, and consciously assessing and mitigating risks associated with hazardous flight profiles (e.g., night, IMC, inhospitable terrain).

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Almost from the beginning of our flight training, pilots are drilled on simulated engine failures in every phase of flight. Once we’re introduced to dealing with engine failures, we practice and perfect them, and then revisit them to ensure proficiency. This training is necessary because, although generally reliable, small airplane engines do still fail, especially if they are piston engines. Good inspection and maintenance practices plus proper operation help minimize or eliminate the risk.

However, the likelihood (probability) of an engine failure and even its severity (consequences) can be managed ahead of time so that a failure might be less likely and, if one does happen, you might be in a better position to land without injury and maybe without damage.