Can the Asserted "Impossible Turn" be Realized?
In the event of an engine failure at low altitude, pilots are advised to maintain control, plan for an immediate forced landing, and avoid risky maneuvers such as attempting the "impossible turn."
Recommended Actions for Engine Failure at Low Altitude: - Maintain control and fly the aircraft: The primary focus is to keep control of the aircraft and avoid stalling, as loss of control is a common cause of accidents in this scenario. - Pick a suitable landing spot immediately: Pilots should quickly identify a landing area within the aircraft’s glide range and commit to it, rather than hesitating or changing plans mid-descent. - Execute a forced landing: If landing on the runway is not feasible, pilots should aim for an emergency landing in a safer alternate area like a field or open terrain.
Why the “Impossible Turn” is Not Advisable: - Attempts to turn back to the runway at low altitude after engine failure have frequently resulted in stalls and crashes due to insufficient altitude to safely complete the maneuver. - Accidents caused by the impossible turn often involve an accelerated stall, which can be fatal due to lack of altitude for stall recovery or parachute deployment. - Training generally discourages practicing full engine-out at low altitude, emphasizing controlled forced landings instead of risky turns, as pilots may misjudge aircraft glide performance or reaction time.
At higher altitudes, pilots have more time to turn and pitch for the best glide airspeed, but at low altitudes (below 1,000 ft AGL), the area around the aircraft is limited. At 300 ft AGL, there's no time to make substantial turns, and options are extremely limited.
Experts emphasize training for quick decision-making and commitment to a landing spot immediately after failure, rather than attempting the dangerous “impossible turn.” This approach drastically increases the chance of survivable outcomes.
In essence, attempting the impossible turn at low altitude is not advisable due to high risk of stall and insufficient altitude for recovery, and pilots should instead focus on immediate, controlled forced landings straight ahead or within a safe glide path. Preparation and frequent practice of emergency scenarios are crucial for successful handling of emergencies. A takeoff briefing, including a plan of action and engine failure procedures, gives you the best chance at success should the unexpected happen.
In the aviation industry, attempts to turn back to the runway after engine failure at low altitudes are often harmful and risky, as lack of altitude restricts the ability to safely execute such maneuvers. Consequently, finance in the transportation sector may need to allocate funds for training programs that prioritize quick decision-making and controlled forced landings, aiming to improve safety standards and decrease the risk of potential accidents.
