Definition
A partial or complete loss of engine power that occurs after takeoff and while the airplane is airborne, requiring the pilot to maintain aircraft control, establish best glide speed, select a suitable landing area, attempt a restart if conditions permit, and prepare for an off-airport landing if a restart is not achieved.
Plain English
The engine quits or loses power while you are flying. You then have to fly the airplane on its glide, find somewhere to land, try to get the engine running again, and if that fails, land safely without engine power.
Context Anchor
Encountered in emergency procedures, flight training, and checklist discussions for what to do if the engine loses power after takeoff, during the flight, or near the airport.
Why Pilots Care
This is a critical emergency that demands quick, correct actions to prevent loss of control and reach a safe landing area.
Grounding Statement
If the engine quits or weakens in the air, the airplane does not fall straight down; it can still glide, but the pilot must act right away.
Intuition Check
Do not assume engine failure always means the engine has completely stopped. In this context, it can also mean the engine is running but no longer producing enough power for normal flight.
Example Sentence 1
When the engine failed during cruise, the pilot immediately pitched for best glide speed and turned toward the nearest field.
Example Sentence 2
The training flight practiced engine failure during flight by simulating a total power loss at 3000 feet AGL.