After an engine has failed, land the aircraft

After an engine has failed, land the aircraft

• A. at the nearest suitable airport in point of time at which a safe landing can be made
• B. at the nearest airport regardless of safety
• C. as soon as possible at any available airstrip
• D. at the destination airport

Answer: (A)

In an engine-out emergency, the priority is to divert to the nearest suitable airport and land there as soon as practicable, but only if a safe landing can be made. This focuses on safety first: reducing the distance you must fly with a failed engine, allowing timely use of controlled airspace, ATC guidance, and available emergency services, and ensuring the chosen airfield has a runway capable of handling the aircraft at the current weight and configuration. The airport must be suitable for a safe landing given the situation (runway length and condition, lighting if needed, weather, and obstacle clearance). Waiting to reach a more distant airport or attempting to use any random airstrip ignores these safety requirements and could put lives at risk. Similarly, continuing to the destination airport when an engine has failed creates unnecessary danger; diverting to a nearby suitable airport at the first opportunity provides the best chance for a controlled, safe outcome.

In an engine-out emergency, the priority is to divert to the nearest suitable airport and land there as soon as practicable, but only if a safe landing can be made. This focuses on safety first: reducing the distance you must fly with a failed engine, allowing timely use of controlled airspace, ATC guidance, and available emergency services, and ensuring the chosen airfield has a runway capable of handling the aircraft at the current weight and configuration. The airport must be suitable for a safe landing given the situation (runway length and condition, lighting if needed, weather, and obstacle clearance). Waiting to reach a more distant airport or attempting to use any random airstrip ignores these safety requirements and could put lives at risk. Similarly, continuing to the destination airport when an engine has failed creates unnecessary danger; diverting to a nearby suitable airport at the first opportunity provides the best chance for a controlled, safe outcome.