Definition
The loss of power from one or more engines during the takeoff phase of flight, occurring at any point from brake release through the initial climb. In multi-engine operations, it is the contingency that drives takeoff performance planning, requiring the pilot to either reject the takeoff or continue the climb on the remaining engine(s) while clearing obstacles along a published or calculated departure path.
Plain English
An engine quits — or loses enough power to no longer be useful — somewhere between starting the takeoff roll and finishing the initial climb. The pilot must already know what they will do if it happens: stop on the runway, or keep going and climb out safely with the engines still running.
Context Anchor
Seen in takeoff briefings, aircraft performance planning, emergency procedures, and one-engine-inoperative takeoff obstacle clearance discussions.
Why Pilots Care
This emergency can force split-second decisions that directly affect whether the aircraft clears obstacles or returns safely to the runway.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane accelerating down the runway or just starting to climb, and one engine suddenly no longer provides the power expected for the takeoff.
Intuition Check
Do not assume this means only a complete engine stop after the airplane is already airborne. In this context, it can mean any serious loss of usable power during the takeoff roll or initial climb, and the correct action depends on timing, speed, runway remaining, and aircraft procedures.
Example Sentence 1
Before every departure, the crew briefed their actions for an engine failure on takeoff, identifying the decision speed at which they would continue rather than reject.
Example Sentence 2
During training the crew practiced the engine failure on takeoff drill to decide whether to continue or abort.