What action should a pilot take if engine failure occurs immediately after takeoff?

What action should a pilot take if engine failure occurs immediately after takeoff?

• A. Bank sharply to return
• B. Pitch for the best glide speed
• C. Accelerate to increase altitude
• D. Straighten out without gaining speed

Answer: (B)

In the event of an engine failure immediately after takeoff, the critical action a pilot should take is to pitch for the best glide speed. This speed is designed to provide the longest distance the aircraft can travel while descending, allowing the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft and optimize the glide path toward a suitable landing area. Maintaining best glide speed is essential because it ensures that the aircraft has the best lift-to-drag ratio, which maximizes distance and control. This speed provides valuable time for the pilot to assess the situation, communicate intentions, and prepare for an emergency landing. Engaging in actions such as banking sharply to return to the airfield can lead to a loss of control and increased risk of an accident, as can accelerating to increase altitude without sufficient power. Similarly, merely trying to straighten out without gaining speed would prevent the pilot from effectively managing the descent and glide path. Pitching for best glide speed supports safety and effective decision-making during an emergency scenario.

In the event of an engine failure immediately after takeoff, the critical action a pilot should take is to pitch for the best glide speed. This speed is designed to provide the longest distance the aircraft can travel while descending, allowing the pilot to maintain control of the aircraft and optimize the glide path toward a suitable landing area.

Maintaining best glide speed is essential because it ensures that the aircraft has the best lift-to-drag ratio, which maximizes distance and control. This speed provides valuable time for the pilot to assess the situation, communicate intentions, and prepare for an emergency landing.

Engaging in actions such as banking sharply to return to the airfield can lead to a loss of control and increased risk of an accident, as can accelerating to increase altitude without sufficient power. Similarly, merely trying to straighten out without gaining speed would prevent the pilot from effectively managing the descent and glide path. Pitching for best glide speed supports safety and effective decision-making during an emergency scenario.