Copyright 1999Don’t panic, it doesn’t help
Learning to Fly...From the Ground Up, I’m Tony Seton.
The first thing a pilot must do when his engine goes out is to not panic. If the engine dies during take-off, the pilot must immediately find a spot where he can most safely put down his plane. If he’s lucky, there is enough runway, but in most cases he’s going to be looking for an open space after the asphalt stops. If he has some altitude, he can use his training and experience to find a safe place to land.
He must first get the wings level, adjust the attitude, and correct to the proper altitude and speed. Contrary to one’s initial tendency to pull back on the wheel, the best course is usually to drop the nose slightly and put the plane in a long glide path. This will give him time to calculate his position, and to use the radio to call for help.
An aircraft such as a Cessna Skyhawk is inherently stable, and can travel a considerable distance without power, depending on weather, geography, altitude and the pilot’s ability. What the pilot will want to do, of course, is to be within glide distance of an airport, but many safe landings are made on roads and fields. Ideally, wherever he puts down, he will land his plane into the wind. The wind can then reduce his speed, which can help if he has to come down quickly to reach his target.
If he has to land in a field, he should try to land in the direction of the furrows. If there are trees, he should head between them, not worrying about losing the wings but rather focusing on keeping the cabin intact. And finally to remember to land the plane, not just let it drop, and on the main wheels, not the nose. Controlling the panic is the first step to a safe landing.
From the Ground Up, I’m Tony Seton.