3 July 2020
Do you have a plan in mind should the unthinkable happen during take-off or climb-out: an Engine Failure After Take-off (EFATO)?
We’re routinely taught to land ahead or turn a maximum of 30 degrees, preferably into wind… and to never, ever think about turning back to the airfield. But is that always the right thing to do?
In the latest issue of FLYER, which you can read for free here, David Joyce reports on his analysis of accidents over 20 years where an EFATO was part of the incident. It’s a fascinating piece with statistics and reports carefully dissected to try and identify what really went wrong.
There’s a lot to consider. Why would you be inclined to turn back anyway? Well, if you’d just left the airfield perimeter behind and ahead was difficult terrain such as rocks, water or even houses, then making a forced landing there might seem a lot worse than attempting the turn back.
Clearly height comes into the decision – how much air you have between you and the ground to accomplish a turn with no or partial power. But just how much height do you need, and what angle should you bank at? Sharply to turn quickly or gently to keep your speed up? All this and more is considered by David – and countered at times by FLYER’s new Safety Editor. Read it.
Also in this issue: the magnificent Mew Gull replica, engineered and built from the ground up by David Beale.
82 Alpine peaks in a Piper Cub – fantastic photos and slightly terrifying story.
Garmin’s new electric round instruments, the GI 275, fitted and flown.
The best columnists, news and safety analysis anywhere.
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