English Corner

What happens if an engine fails during a flight?
The thought of engine failure makes most people feel sick to their stomachs. But exactly how dangerous is such an incident in reality?
According to First Officer at Swiss, Judith Niedmers, it all depends on the point in time at which the engine fails, as revealed in an article in "Swiss Magazine". If the aircraft is already in the air and not travelling at full thrust, but at cruising power, you only notice a small moment of displacement around the aircraft's centre of gravity (vertical axis) in the event of a failure. The pilots immediately execute emergency procedures known as "memory items," which they have committed to memory.
These include securing the engine and descending to a safe altitude where the aircraft can maintain a straight flight with only one engine. Afterward, they go through the engine failure checklist and decide on the most suitable airfield for landing.
Timing is crucial
The failure of one engine does, of course, have a major impact, but there is still a second engine available that enables the aircraft to continue flying. However, if the engine fails at full power, for example during take-off, the failure is much more noticeable.
If the engine is inoperable at the start, the take-off is not even attempted. However, if the takeoff has already begun, the course of action depends on the speed at which the engine fails. If the aircraft hasn't reached a critical speed, a "rejected takeoff" can be executed. But if it has exceeded that speed, the takeoff must continue using only one engine.
During such a take-off, the pilots must initially balance the aircraft until the nose of the aircraft can be lifted. If the aircraft experiences a sheared flight attitude, the pilots consult a map that outlines a designated route specific to the airfield, guiding the plane safely to the nearest airfield. With a reduced climb rate, the aircraft ascends to a certain altitude, where the autopilot can be engaged, allowing the pilots to continuously monitor the route and maintain flight stability.
Ideally prepared
The ground personnel are also informed about the engine failure and the aircraft's intention to land at the designated airport. In the case of a four-engine aircraft, losing one engine still leaves three operational, but the procedure remains the same. Since the cause of the engine failure is often unknown, the aircraft is directed to land at the nearest suitable airport.
There's no need to panic; engine failures are among the most common scenarios pilots train for extensively in flight simulators. Pilots are well-prepared for such emergencies, and the aircraft can still operate safely with just one engine.