Could A Five Second Thought Process Prevent A Loss Of Control Accident?

Accidents caused through loss of control (LOC) are a hot button with the FAA and NTSB. Resolutions to the problem range from receiving Aerobatic training to developing gadgets that either display angle of attack information or automatically react to it. The truth is, there is a lot pilots can do to improve their piloting skills in the aircraft they are currently flying that can reduce LOC accidents.

The most critical times in aircraft operation are when the aircraft is close to the ground. These two times are, of course, takeoff and landing. The obvious factor here is that if something goes wrong, gravity is your enemy an altitude is your friend. In this discussion, let’s talk about an engine failure occurring shortly after takeoff.

Can you actually be prepared at all times? One instructor we talked to thinks there is a way to be prepared for an engine failure on every takeoff, and he calls it his ‘Five Second Emergency Review’. This instructor is engaged in the business of teaching aircraft homebuilders how to prepare for their first test flights, and he said, “After teaching a number of builders how to prepare for a possible emergency on the first flight, I realize these techniques could be taught to anyone for use in any airplane.”

His technique is to review key emergency procedures prior to every takeoff as if this was the day that it’s going to happen. He has already developed engine failure pitch over procedures to establish the glide and he knows exactly how much altitude the airplane loses in a no power turn. This means he has the skills to prevent a stall on takeoff in the event of an engine failure, but he questions his ability to handle the total thought process without a little tickler before every takeoff roll.

His five second emergency review involves two steps before the takeoff roll begins and two steps if an emergency landing is eminent. The first two steps involve a quick thought about the locale to predetermine the best place to go, or not to go, in the event an off-field landing is required. The second is to predetermine a minimum altitude for a possible return to the runway.

The other two steps are airplane systems management which include assuring fuel is available and the other assures electrical power is removed from the fuel pump if a landing is unavoidable.

This pilot’s attitude is that if you are mentally prepared for the worst case scenario there’s a better chance of handling a desperate situation without losing control of the aircraft. He added, “Of course it’s up to the individual pilot to develop the review based on experience and individual aircraft. It’s the thought that counts.”

(Image of a Five Second Emergency Review Checklist example)

FMI: FAA Airplane Flying Handbook