Emergency Landing: What Pilots Do When Facing a Critical Situation

When a pilot encounters a critical situation that requires an emergency landing, the actions taken are critical for the safety of all aboard and the aircraft. This article delves into the procedures pilots follow to communicate with air traffic control (ATC) and the steps involved in ensuring a safe and controlled emergency landing.

Communication with Air Traffic Control (ATC)

The moment a pilot realizes that an emergency situation has arisen, the primary concern becomes communication with ATC. Pilots are trained to communicate clearly, concisely, and with urgency. One of the most recognized emergency signals in aviation is a three-letter phrase repeated three times: Mayday, Mayday, Mayday.

Once the pilot has transmitted the Mayday signal, they will provide critical information about the aircraft, such as the tail number or commercial flight number, followed by a detailed description of the emergency and their intentions. For example, a pilot might say, Mayday, mayday, mayday, this is Cactus 1539. We have hit birds, both engines have lost thrust, and we are turning back towards LaGuardia.

While these initial communications are vital, they are just the beginning. ATC will then engage in a more detailed conversation to gather any additional information needed, such as the need for medical assistance or emergency equipment. This comprehensive communication is crucial to ensuring the safety of the aircraft and the immediate response to the emergency.

Priority Handling and Safety Measures

When an emergency is declared, the pilot gains priority on any runway for landing. This means that ATC will direct other aircraft to vacate the runway to make space for the emergency landing. If the emergency involves a specific issue, such as a problematic passenger, ATC may also coordinate with other emergency services, like fire trucks, ambulances, or even law enforcement. For instance, in the event of a rowdy passenger, ATC may call in police to assist in managing the situation at the airport.

The pilot will also communicate the required priority handling, ensuring that all other aircraft follow the necessary procedures to avoid any potential collisions or delays. ATC will then coordinate with other aircraft to ensure a safe and clear runway is available for the emergency landing.

Firsthand Experience: A Pilot's Story

Let's illustrate this with a personal story from a pilot. In a winter flight from Midland to El Paso in a Piper Aerostar in the year 2000, the pilot faced an unexpected challenge. About ten minutes into the flight, the right engine began to lose oil pressure. With no other airports between the two destinations except Wink, and the flight being conducted in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), the pilot had no choice but to turn back towards Midland Airport.

The pilot declared an emergency at around 7:30 AM. The pilot had been monitoring the oil pressure and was prepared to shut down the engine if it dropped below 15 psi. Multiple airliners were approaching Midland, and the pilot knew that a single-engine landing would be difficult to maintain. He requested and was granted priority handling, with other aircraft either holding or being directed to navigate to avoid the emergency landing path.

Navigating the Instrument Landing System (ILS), the pilot shut down the right engine during the flare phase of the landing, ensuring a controlled and safe descent. Following the landing, fire trucks were immediately dispatched to the airport to provide assistance.

Post-land, the pilot had to confirm if the issue was with the instrumentation or a real malfunction. The entire right side of the aircraft was blackened with engine oil, a stark reminder of the potential hazards faced during such flights. This experience highlights the critical importance of emergency procedures and the cooperation between pilots and ATC in ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew.

Though the pilot found the Piper Aerostar challenging, they emphasized the importance of following emergency protocols and the crucial role ATC plays in managing such situations. The pilot's experience underscores the necessity of maintaining safety over the aircraft's performance, leading to the suggestion that the FAA should consider revoking the airworthiness certificate and repurposing these models for more practical uses.

As we learn from these events, the cooperation between pilots and ATC is essential in ensuring a safe and controlled landing in an emergency situation. The clear communication, immediate response, and adherence to established protocols can make the difference between a successful landing and a critical incident.