Can a Plane Still Fly If Its Front Engine Stops Working Mid-Air?

Can a Plane Still Fly If Its Front Engine Stops Working Mid-Air?

Introduction

The question of whether a plane can still fly if its front engine fails mid-air is a common one, especially among aviation enthusiasts and those new to the world of aviation. While the perspective on whether a plane can continue to fly can vary, understanding the impact of engine failure on flight safety is crucial. This article aims to explore the scenarios in which a plane can still fly and when it cannot, providing insights into the protocols and procedures pilots follow.

Engine Failure Scenarios

Single-Engine Planes:

When a single-engine plane's front engine stops working in mid-air, it removes the only source of thrust, causing the aircraft to lose all driving force. According to engine failure cases, the plane effectively becomes a glider, relying on the forward momentum and altitude.

Depending on the altitude, the pilot has options for a safe landing. For instance, a takeoff about 20 miles and returning to an airport can be done. If the plane was cruising at 20,000 feet over Texas, the pilot would have enough altitude to maneuver and land safely. However, if the engine fails at a lower altitude, a safe landing might be more challenging, especially if there are no nearby airports.

In such cases, the aircraft safety protocol involves the following steps:

Utilizing gliding techniques to descend safely. Identifying a suitable landing site. Contacting air traffic control for assistance and direction.

Survival in such a scenario is uncertain, mainly due to the lack of power to perform essential operations like lowering the landing gear, dumping fuel, and operating flaps and rudders. Landing gear without proper extension can cause serious damage to runways and create other safety hazards.

Multiple-Engine Planes

Multiple-Engine Planes:

For multi-engine planes, the situation is generally more favorable. If the front engine stops working, the remaining engines can still provide sufficient thrust to keep the aircraft flying. The pilot's priority would be to land at the nearest safe airport.

Typical scenarios include:

Returning to the departure airport at a safe altitude.

Landing at the nearest suitable airport for a safe descent.

Utilizing the remaining engines to maintain control and perform necessary emergency procedures.

It's important to note that in multi-engine flights, the protocols prioritize aircraft safety and maintaining control. This approach increases the chances of a successful landing and avoids more severe consequences.

Cessna's Glide Ratio

Cessna 172:

The glide ratio of a plane like the Cessna 172 is crucial in such scenarios. Properly trimmed, the Cessna 172 can move forward 8 feet for every foot it descends, giving it a glide ratio of 8:1. This property allows the pilot to cover significant horizontal distance even with the loss of thrust.

For pilots training in emergency landing procedures, this knowledge is essential. Despite the reduced thrust, the plane's gliding ability can be harnessed effectively to find a safe landing spot.

Conclusion

Whether a plane can continue to fly if its front engine fails depends on several factors, including whether the plane is single-engine or multi-engine. While some planes like the Cessna 172 can still glide and cover significant distances, the outcome is far from guaranteed. The importance of engine failure and the need to follow aircraft safety protocols cannot be overstated. Pilots are trained to handle such scenarios, ensuring the safety of passengers and crew until a safe landing can be achieved.