March 7, 2025 – 8 min read
What happens if a plane has an engine failure? Many travelers worry about this possibility, but modern aircraft are built to handle such situations safely. If this thought has ever crossed your mind, you’re not alone. The good news? Planes can still fly and land safely, even with an engine failure. Let’s break down exactly how pilots respond and why flying remains secure.
One of the most common fears among nervous flyers is engine failure, but in reality, this is an exceptionally rare event. Modern jet engines undergo rigorous testing, frequent inspections, and strict maintenance protocols, making them one of the most reliable components of an aircraft. Airlines adhere to precise maintenance schedules, and engines are designed with multiple backup systems to ensure continuous operation and safety.
A single-engine failure is already highly uncommon. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), an engine failure occurs approximately once per 373.000 flight hours, which means a commercial pilot could fly for decades without ever encountering this issue.
Modern twin-engine commercial aircraft, such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737, are designed to fly safely on just one engine. This capability is a standard design requirement for commercial aircraft.
If an engine fails, the remaining engine provides enough thrust to keep the aircraft flying. Pilots follow specific procedures to stabilize the plane, assess the situation, and decide on the safest course of action. Modern aircraft are aerodynamically designed to compensate for asymmetric thrust, meaning the plane won’t simply spin out of control. Pilots will reduce drag, adjust power settings, and, if needed, divert to the closest airport. Aircraft are tested extensively in simulators and real-world scenarios to ensure they can safely take off, cruise, and land on a single engine.
One of the most critical moments for an engine failure is during takeoff when the plane is close to the ground and at full thrust. However, pilots are extensively trained for this scenario. Every takeoff has a pre-determined “decision speed” called V1: the point at which a takeoff must continue even if an engine fails. If an engine fails before V1, pilots can abort the takeoff and safely stop the aircraft on the runway. If the failure happens at or after V1, the takeoff will continue on one engine, and pilots will follow emergency procedures to stabilize the aircraft before making a decision to return to the airport (most likely) or continue the flight.
While extremely rare, there are protocols in place for a total engine failure. Airplanes don’t just fall from the sky, without engines, they can glide for a long distance. The Airbus A320, for example, has a glide ratio of about 17:1 in optimal circumstances, meaning it can glide 17 units of distance forward for every 1 unit of altitude lost, at best glide speed. Pilots assess multiple factors, including altitude, terrain, and proximity to airports, to determine the safest course of action. There have been real-life cases of pilots successfully landing aircraft after total engine failures, such as the famous “Miracle on the Hudson,” where Captain Sully safely ditched an Airbus A320 in the Hudson River after both engines failed due to bird strikes.
A reason why you shouldn’t worry about an engine failure is that pilots train extensively and repeatedly for these scenarios in highly advanced full-flight simulators throughout their careers. Airlines require pilots to undergo mandatory recurrent training every six to twelve months, ensuring they remain proficient in handling engine failures under various conditions.
Pilots are trained to handle engine failures at any stage, including:
Pilots repeatedly train for these scenarios in advanced flight simulators, where instructors simulate engine failures under various conditions. This continuous training ensures that pilots can respond instinctively and effectively in real-world situations.
If an engine issue occurs, pilots do not panic and they immediately follow a precise checklist to:
A common fear about engine failure is the idea that a plane will suddenly drop from the sky. However, this is a myth, commercial airplanes are designed to glide efficiently, even if both engines stop working.
Even without thrust, airplanes do not fall vertically. Instead, they maintain a controlled descent due to:
Modern aircraft are designed with multiple backup systems to ensure that critical controls and instruments remain operational, even in extreme emergencies. Engine failure does not mean a total loss of power, planes have layers of redundancy to maintain safety.
One key backup systems is the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), a small engine located in the tail of the aircraft. While the APU does not provide thrust, it plays a crucial role in generating electricity and maintaining essential systems.
How the APU Works:
If all other power sources fail, pilots can deploy an Emergency Ram Air Turbine (RAT):
Commercial aircraft also have redundant hydraulic and electrical systems to keep essential operations running smoothly.
The fear of engine failure is understandable, but airplanes are designed with multiple safety layers to prevent and handle such situations. Trust in the engineering, the rigorous maintenance, and the highly trained professionals in the cockpit. The next time your mind spirals into what if scenarios, remind yourself: planes are built to keep flying, even when things don’t go as planned.
The Calm Cabin was created by a once-terrified flyer who finally overcame her fear of flying, and is now on a mission to help others do the same.
If the thought of stepping on a plane fills you with anxiety, you’re not alone. This space is here to support, reassure, and empower you to take off with confidence, so you can finally enjoy traveling and discover the world with ease and peace of mind.
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