Definition
A loss of engine power that occurs during the initial climb after liftoff, while the airplane is at low altitude with limited airspeed, limited options for landing areas, and limited time to react. It is one of the most critical emergencies in single-engine flying because the airplane has departed the runway environment but is not yet high enough to glide far or maneuver freely.
Plain English
The engine quits or loses enough power to no longer sustain flight shortly after the airplane has left the runway and started climbing.
Context Anchor
Encountered in takeoff briefings, emergency training, and low-altitude emergency discussions, especially during the first part of the climb after leaving the runway.
Why Pilots Care
This is one of the most dangerous phases of flight because of low altitude and airspeed, leaving little time for recovery and often requiring an off-airport landing.
Grounding Statement
The essential problem is simple: the airplane has just started climbing, but the engine is no longer giving enough power to keep climbing.
Intuition Check
Do not assume engine failure after takeoff always means the engine stops completely. It can also mean the engine is still running but not making enough power to safely continue the climb.
Example Sentence 1
During the takeoff briefing, the pilot stated that in the event of an engine failure after takeoff below 700 feet, they would land straight ahead rather than attempt to return to the runway.
Example Sentence 2
Proper training for engine failure after takeoff emphasizes maintaining airspeed and avoiding turns back to the runway unless sufficient altitude exists.