What Do Pilots Do When One Engine of a Two-Engine Plane Has Failed in a High Altitude?

Flying a plane with two engines is safer and more efficient than flying a plane with one engine. But what if one of those engines stops working in the middle of the flight? How do the pilots handle this situation and keep the passengers safe?

In this article, I will explain what pilots do when one engine of a two-engine plane has failed in a high altitude. I will also tell you why this is not as scary as it sounds and how pilots are trained to deal with it.

How Do Pilots Know That an Engine Has Failed?

The first thing that pilots need to do when an engine fails is to identify which engine has failed and why. They can do this by looking at the instruments, listening to the sounds, and feeling the aircraft behavior.

The instruments will show a drop in the engine power, pressure, temperature, and speed. They will also show a warning light or a message on the screen. The sounds will change as the engine stops spinning and the propeller (if there is one) stops moving. The aircraft behavior will change as the plane will start to turn and lose speed and altitude.

The pilots need to act quickly and correctly to avoid losing control of the plane. They need to use the rudder and the ailerons to keep the plane straight and stable. They also need to reduce the power of the other engine to avoid damaging it or going too fast.

Communicate With the Air Traffic Control and the Passengers?

The next thing that pilots need to do when an engine fails is to declare an emergency and communicate with the air traffic control (ATC) and the passengers. They need to tell them what is happening, where they are, how high they are, what they intend to do, and what they need.

They can declare an emergency by saying “Mayday” or “Pan-Pan” on the radio and giving their flight number and position. They can also use a special code on the transponder, which is a device that sends signals to the ATC radar.

The ATC will help the pilots by giving them instructions and guidance. They will clear the airspace around them and direct them to the nearest suitable airport for landing. They will also alert the emergency services and the ground personnel to assist them.

The pilots will also inform the passengers and the crew about the situation and the procedures. They will ask them to stay calm and follow the safety instructions. They will also update them on the progress and the landing time.

Manage the Aircraft Systems and Perform the Emergency Checklist?

The third thing that pilots need to do when an engine fails is to manage the aircraft systems and perform the emergency checklist. They need to monitor the other engine and the aircraft systems and adjust the settings as needed. They also need to follow the emergency checklist provided by the aircraft manufacturer or the operator and perform the necessary actions to deal with the engine failure.

The pilots need to manage the fuel, the electrical, the hydraulic, and the pneumatic systems. They need to make sure that they have enough resources and backup for the landing. They also need to prepare the aircraft for the single-engine approach and landing and configure the flaps, the landing gear, and the speed brakes accordingly.

The emergency checklist is a list of steps that the pilots need to follow in a specific order to handle the engine failure. It includes actions such as shutting down the failed engine, feathering the propeller, checking the fuel quantity and balance, turning on the auxiliary power unit, setting the engine anti-ice, and reviewing the landing performance.

Descend and Divert to the Nearest Suitable Airport?

The fourth thing that pilots need to do when an engine fails is to descend and divert to the nearest suitable airport. They need to maintain the best single-engine climb speed, also known as the “blue line” speed, to achieve the maximum altitude gain or the minimum altitude loss with one engine inoperative. They also need to avoid flying below the minimum safe altitude or the minimum en route altitude and avoid any obstacles or terrain along the way.

The pilots need to plan the descent and the diversion carefully and take into account the weather, the traffic, the runway length and condition, and the availability of services and facilities at the destination airport. They need to follow the ATC instructions and cooperate with them to find the best route and the best approach for landing.

Perform the Single-Engine Approach and Landing?

The fifth and final thing that pilots need to do when an engine fails is to perform the single-engine approach and landing. They need to follow the standard procedures and the ATC instructions. They need to fly a stable and precise approach and maintain the recommended speed and glide path. They need to use the rudder and the ailerons to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway and use the throttle and the flaps to control the descent rate and the lift.

The pilots need to touch down smoothly and gently and apply the brakes and the spoilers to stop the aircraft as soon as possible. They need to vacate the runway, park the aircraft in a safe area, and wait for the emergency services and the ground personnel to assist them.

Why Is This Not as Scary as It Sounds?

You may think that losing an engine in a two-engine plane is a very scary and dangerous situation. However, this is not true. Modern twin-engine planes are very reliable and capable of flying and landing on only one engine. They are designed and tested to do so. They also have an airworthiness certificate, which means that they meet the safety standards and regulations.

Pilots are also very well trained and prepared to handle an engine failure. They practice this scenario regularly in the simulator and they know what to do in every phase of flight. They also have the help and support of the ATC, the passengers, the crew, and the ground personnel.

An engine failure in a two-engine plane is a rare event. However, it can still happen. But it is not a reason to panic or to fear flying. It is just a reason to trust and appreciate the pilots and the planes that fly us safely around the world.

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