When Airline Pilots Face Scary Situations: Overcoming Fear and Handling Emergencies

Airline pilots, like most professions, can face a variety of challenging situations during their careers. Some of these situations can be quite frightening. In this article, we’ll delve into some real-life experiences of pilots who have faced scary events and how they overcame them.

Events During Flying Life

Throughout my flying career, I faced several major “events” that tested my skills and courage. These experiences range from engine failures to total brake failures, each presenting unique challenges that required quick thinking and effective action.

First Event: Engine Failure in a Piper Seneca

During my first significant event, while flying a Piper Seneca, I encountered an engine failure just west of the Continental Divide in Colorado. The left engine suddenly seized, and upon investigation, it was found to be due to a broken crankshaft resulting from improper tempering during the manufacturing process.

At an altitude of 17,000 feet, I was heading towards Gunnison, CO, with my wife and parents on board. I called Air Traffic Control (ATC) for assistance but received no immediate response. Recognizing the severity of the situation, I declared a Mayday and asked for nearby suitable landing strips.

ATC communication began to grow intermittent, and I realized I was on my own. My wife, who was responsible for charting the way, froze, leaving me to navigate the situation. I initiated a slow descent to prevent overheating of the running engine while also trying to maintain a stable altitude. ATC continued to call, hoping to provide assistance and inform search and rescue teams of my location.

As I approached Gunnison, I emerged from the clouds and recognized the area, making it slightly easier to navigate. After landing safely, I disconnected from ATC and switched frequencies to the tower. Both commuter pilots on the frequency requested holding patterns, emphasizing the risk of a single-engine engine landing attempt at that altitude. I was advised to prioritize my landing attempt due to the aircraft’s limitations.

Second Event: Engine Vibration in a Pressurized Piper Navaho

Nearly ten hours into my flight in a Pressurized Piper Navaho PA-31P, I experienced a severe vibration that made it impossible to read the instruments. I diverted to Wichita Falls (Wichita Falls, TX) to deal with the situation. The military tower controller was more focused on ensuring the operation of foreign flight students than addressing my concerns. We landed safely after troubleshooting, and it was discovered that metal inside the engine had broken, causing the 5-inch bearing supporting the propeller to move.

Third Event: Engine Failure in the Same Piper Navaho

About 160 flight hours later, the same engine in the Navaho suffered catastrophic failure. The propeller began to windmill and dangle, narrowly avoiding a mid-air collision after we had just finished clearing ice off the aircraft. This time, the engine’s crankshaft had broken due to stress from the previous event. Detailed inspections, including magflaw detection and metallurgical observations, did not uncover the crack. Eventually, after nearly 100,000 miles, a replacement engine was installed.

Fourth Event: Total Brake Failure During Landing

During my last significant event, the left main gear brake failed while landing at Baton Rouge LA. With a Delta jet on the cross-runway in my path, the tower did not respond to my declaration of a Mayday. I used my right brake to prevent a collision, sliding off the runway into the grass and mud. This incident led to the FAA’s investigation, resulting in the removal and retraining of the tower manager.

Handling Fear in the Cockpit

Each of these events presented significant challenges. However, despite the fear and tension, my priority was to fly the aircraft safely. As the pilot-in-command, I always maintained control and ensured a safe landing. The fear often came later as I reflected on the events and the potential outcomes.

These experiences underscore the importance of training, quick decision-making, and a calm mindset in the face of adversity. Pilots are trained to handle unexpected situations, but the human element—feeling the fear and staying focused—plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe outcome.

Conclusion

Airline pilots face numerous challenges, including mechanical failures and emergency situations. These experiences highlight the importance of training, preparedness, and maintaining a clear mindset in the cockpit. By overcoming fear and applying the necessary skills, pilots can ensure the safety and welfare of their passengers and crew.