This One Can Catch You By Surprise!

Engine failure after takeoff – Resist the deadly urge to turn back!

Sunny Swift Issue 8 – The Impossible Turn was published on Oct 25, 2018, but the situation described, and safety message have no expiration date!

Sunny Swift: Impossible turn - Issue 8 | EASA

This episode focuses on a common but dangerous reaction: attempting to turn back to the runway after an engine failure shortly after takeoff. It’s called “The Impossible Turn” because it often leads to stall-spin Loss of Control in Flight (LoC-I) accidents due to insufficient altitude, limited potential and kinetic energy, and poor energy management.

Key Points 

• Sunny experiences an engine failure shortly after takeoff.
• She considers turning back to the runway but wisely chooses a forward landing instead.
• This issue illustrates how turning back can result in a steep bank and rapid loss of altitude, increasing stall risk, and the need to react quickly and appropriately.

Safety Tips

• Know your aircraft’s minimum safe altitude for a return turn – typically at least 300–500 feet AGL, depending on aircraft type and pilot proficiency.
• Practice forward emergency landings with an instructor in safe environments to develop competence and build confidence.
• Brief yourself before every flight on emergency procedures, especially for takeoff.
• Resist impulsive decisions – a rushed turn can be fatal!
• Train for engine-out scenarios with an instructor to understand glide performance and make the right decision.

Plan for the worst, hope for the best!
This catch phrase is a modern adaptation of Benjamin Disraeli's original sentiment “I am prepared for the worst, but hope for the best” in his 1833 novel The Wondrous Tale of Alroy.

References and related content
Sunny Swift: Impossible turn - Issue 8 | EASA
EASA-Sunny-Swift-flight-instructor-issue8-EN.pdf
AOPA Air Safety Institute test video: The runway behind you
FAA's Impossible Turn safety brochure
Aviation News Talk on Engine Failure after takeoff