Definition
Events in which an aircraft engine stops producing useful power, either partially or completely, during ground or flight operations. Causes range from fuel exhaustion or contamination, mechanical failure, induction or ignition problems, mismanagement of engine controls, or environmental factors such as carburetor icing.
Plain English
When an engine stops working properly, or stops altogether, while the aircraft is operating. The pilot must recognize what has happened and respond using trained procedures.
Context Anchor
Seen in emergency training, takeoff briefings, flight instructor scenarios, and decision-making discussions about what a pilot should do when the airplane loses engine power.
Why Pilots Care
Engine failures demand immediate correct action and can result in forced landings or accidents if mishandled.
Grounding Statement
The main concern is simple: the airplane has lost the engine power it was relying on, so the pilot must manage the airplane with the power that remains, if any.
Intuition Check
Do not assume an engine failure always means the engine has stopped completely. In aviation, an engine failure can also mean the engine is still running but is not producing enough power to safely continue as planned.
Example Sentence 1
The instructor used a simulated engine failure on takeoff to teach the student how to make a quick, sound decision under pressure.
Example Sentence 2
Recognizing engine failures early allows the pilot to choose the best landing option.