The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has released advice on how to manage partial power loss after take-off in single-engine aircraft.
The newly released booklet, titled Avoidable Accidents No.3 – Managing partial power loss after takeoff in single-engine aircraft, aims to increase awareness among flying instructors and pilots of the issues relating to partial power loss after take-off.
The new advice comes after the ATSB investigated 242 accidents involving single-engine aircraft sustaining a partial engine power loss after take-off from 2000 to 2010. These ATSB investigations have shown that a significant number of occurrences result in fatalities or serious injury due to the aircraft stalling and subsequent loss of control resulting in a collision with the ground or water.
“Most fatal and serious injury accidents resulting from partial power loss after take-off are avoidable,” the ATSB says. “This kind of power loss is more complex than a complete failure, and it can be much harder to stay ahead of the aircraft.
“This report will show that you can prevent or significantly minimise the risk of bodily harm following a partial or complete engine power loss after take-off by using the strategies below:
- Pre-flight decision making and planning for emergencies and abnormal situations for the particular aerodrome;
- Conducting a thorough pre-flight and engine ground run to reduce the risk of a partial power loss occurring; and
- Taking positive action and maintaining aircraft control either when turning back to the aerodrome or conducting a forced landing until on the ground, while being aware of flare energy and aircraft stall speeds.”
Obviously this is vital safety information for all pilots, so be sure to click here to download a PDF of the booklet.
A partial power loss after take-off can be fatal. (ATSB)
