Departure and En-route: Engine Failure after Take-off
You are pilot-in-command of a twin-engine turboprop (MTOW 5,700 kg) departing Brunei International (WBSB) Runway 03. Outside air temperature is 32°C, QNH 1008 hPa, wind calm. Take-off mass is 5,100 kg. The accelerate-stop distance available (ASDA) is 2,400 m, take-off distance available (TODA) is 2,600 m. Performance charts show that at 32°C and 5,100 kg, the accelerate-go distance is 2,200 m, and the accelerate-stop distance is 2,300 m. Just after V1 (which was 105 kt), the right engine fails. You are at about 100 ft AGL. The aircraft yaws right and the master warning sounds. You must decide whether to continue the take-off or abort.
1. What is the correct decision and what actions follow? Explain using the performance figures.
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The decision must be based on V1. Since the engine failure occurred after V1, you must continue the take-off. The accelerate-go distance is 2,200 m, which is less than TODA 2,600 m, so performance is adequate to continue. The accelerate-stop distance is 2,300 m, which is less than ASDA 2,400 m, so an abort would also be within ASDA, but the standard rule is that after V1 you continue. Actions: maintain directional control with rudder, apply maximum power on the left engine, establish a positive climb, retract gear when a positive rate is confirmed, and follow the engine failure checklist. Advise ATC: 'Mayday, Mayday, Mayday, [callsign], engine failure after take-off, maintaining 1,000 ft, request return to Brunei.' You must not attempt to restart the engine below 400 ft AGL. Fly the aircraft first, then manage the emergency. The key is that V1 is the decision speed; after V1, continue.
2. What en-route considerations apply for the return to Brunei, including weather and fuel?
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You must plan a return to Brunei, considering the aircraft's single-engine performance, weather, and fuel. Check the weather at Brunei: if it is still 2,000 m visibility in rain, you may need to consider an alternate. However, with an engine failure, you should land as soon as practicable. Declare an emergency and request priority. Fuel: you have sufficient fuel for the return, but you should monitor fuel consumption and consider a straight-in approach. ATC will provide vectors. You must also consider the aircraft's landing performance with one engine inoperative; check the landing distance required and ensure it is within the landing distance available. If the weather is below minima, you may need to divert to an airport with better weather, but only if fuel permits. The priority is to land safely.