Why Is a Partial Loss of Engine Power So Dangerous?

Subtle powerplant issues often catch pilots off guard, but there are ways to handle them safely.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, November 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Private single-engine, piston-powered aircraft taxis at an airfield. [Credit: FLYING Archives]

Key Takeaways:

Partial engine power loss is a common, often subtle cause of aircraft accidents, frequently surprising pilots due to its gradual onset and a psychological tendency to disbelieve it's occurring.
Pilots must prepare by thoroughly reviewing procedures for uncommanded power loss in all flight phases, including immediately aborting takeoff at the first sign of engine abnormality and knowing their aircraft's best glide speed.
In cruise flight, use available altitude to troubleshoot and identify suitable landing sites using the ABCDEs (Airspeed, Best place, Checklist, Declare, Evacuate), always scanning for potential emergency landing areas, and never taking off again after an unscheduled landing without a mechanic's inspection.

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Question: In ground school we are learning about accident reports and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). I was surprised to learn how many accidents begin when the pilot experiences a partial loss of power, which leads to a crash. If you still have some engine power, shouldn’t you be able to make a landing? And how are we supposed to practice this?

Answer: Speaking as someone who spent 15 years writing up NTSB reports, I can say that a partial loss of engine power can catch a pilot by surprise because often it is so subtle. Often there isn’t a dramatic backfire and oil over the windscreen like there is in the movies.