Losing power in both engines is one of the most serious situations an aircraft crew can face. However, a twin-engine aircraft does not simply fall from the sky when both engines stop producing thrust. The aircraft can continue flying as a glider, giving the pilots time to manage the emergency and work toward a safe landing.
The outcome depends on factors such as the aircraft's altitude, speed, location, weather, available landing areas, and the reason for the engine failure.
The aircraft can still fly without engine thrust
An aircraft needs its engines primarily to provide thrust. The wings are responsible for producing lift.
When both engines lose power, the aircraft can no longer maintain normal powered flight, but the wings can continue producing lift while the aircraft moves through the air. The pilots therefore establish an appropriate glide speed rather than allowing the aircraft to slow excessively.
Altitude becomes particularly important at this point. The higher the aircraft is when the engines stop producing thrust, the more time and distance the pilots may have to deal with the situation.
Pilots first maintain control
The first priority during any major aircraft emergency is maintaining control of the aircraft.
The pilots have specific procedures for situations involving engine failure. They maintain the appropriate flight path and speed while assessing what has happened.
At the same time, they may work through procedures to determine whether engine power can be restored. The exact process depends on the aircraft and the circumstances behind the failure.
For example, an engine may lose thrust because of a fuel-related problem, bird strike, mechanical failure, or another issue. Some situations may allow the engines to be restarted, while others may not.
Choosing where to land
If the engines cannot be restarted, the pilots need to decide where the aircraft can land.
An airport may be the preferred option if it is within the aircraft's available glide range. However, reaching a runway is not always possible. The pilots may instead have to consider other suitable landing areas.
This decision involves managing the aircraft's remaining altitude and distance carefully. Every change in direction can affect how much ground the aircraft can cover.
The goal is to reach a location where the aircraft can be landed under the safest conditions available.
Aircraft systems can still operate
Another common misconception is that losing both engines means every system on the aircraft immediately stops working.
Modern aircraft have multiple backup systems. Depending on the aircraft type, systems such as batteries, hydraulic systems and emergency power sources can continue supporting important functions after engine power is lost.
Some aircraft are also equipped with a ram air turbine, which can use the airflow around the aircraft to provide emergency power for selected systems.
The exact systems available vary between aircraft types, so pilots train specifically for the aircraft they fly.
A real example
One of the best-known examples occurred in 2009 when US Airways Flight 1549 lost thrust from both engines shortly after takeoff after encountering a flock of birds.
The Airbus A320 could no longer continue normal powered flight, but the aircraft remained controllable. The crew assessed the available options and ultimately landed on the Hudson River.
The incident demonstrated an important point about aircraft without engine thrust. Losing both engines is extremely serious, but the aircraft can still be flown and controlled.
Why pilots train for this situation
Engine failure is covered extensively during pilot training because pilots need to know how to respond without relying on instinct alone.
Training focuses on maintaining aircraft control, establishing the correct flight condition, carrying out the required procedures, communicating with air traffic control and preparing for a possible forced landing.
For commercial pilots, understanding aircraft performance is also important. Knowing how an aircraft behaves during a glide helps pilots make decisions about altitude, distance and landing options.
Final thoughts
A complete loss of engine power is a major emergency, but an aircraft remains capable of controlled flight without thrust. The pilots' immediate priorities are to maintain control, establish the correct glide, attempt to restore power where possible and identify the safest available landing option.
The situation leaves little room for error, which is why engine-out procedures are part of regular pilot training.
For readers interested in pilot training, aviation education and careers in the industry, MH Cockpit can also be used as a reference for learning more about the path into aviation.
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