Sat Jan 20, 2024 4:29 pm
#2005809
Duncan M wrote:
PFL, the real world!
Alternatively,
1. Quick assessment of problem, can it be fixed straight away, by changing fuel tank, switching on fuel pump, carb heat application, mag check.
2. Best glide speed, turn into wind.
3. Look for a safe landing place reasonably close to your position.
4. Set up for a safe let down to that position.
5. Further assessment to see if problem can be fixed.....decision!
6. Commit to land in your chosen field. Passenger brief if necessary.
7. If time, make a radio call (ATC, D&D........whoever could offer best help)
8. Fly the aircraft until it finally stops.
By their very nature, forced landings are an unknown quantity and the exact actions may vary depending on the type of problem the aircraft has.
But the priority is to give pilot, crew, and passengers the very best chance of walking away from the forced landing.
Caveat, I am not an instructor so take their advice in preference to mine.
As you say, every situation will be different, but there are a few important things that you ought to do.
1. The first and most important is to trim like a bastard for best glide. Once you think you've done that release the stick and make sure you've done it properly because you won't have. You'll probably want to stop a wind-milling prop if it hasn't stopped already.
Now things vary depending upon your height.
2. If you're about 500' AGL or lower, then turn into wind and choose the scene of the accident, or find yourself lucky and land in a field. Your choices will be limited.
3. If you're way up in the sky then after trimming like a bastard, turn down-wind (unless there is a really good option nearby up-wind, like an airfield or something). Flying down-wind allows you to cover more ground and thus gives you more fields to choose from.
4. Choose a suitable field (5S etc.), which might be on either side of the aircraft, and position yourself to land about 1/3 of the way in. This is where you need to practice to get the right sight-line. Keep it in view at all times, if you don't you'll probably not find it again.
5. Now the aeroplane is trimmed (and so not needing so much of your attention), you've chosen a suitable field and are well positioned to land in it, you can see if you can get the engine going again (mags, fuel, mixture, refit the blown cylinder, etc.). If not then turn the fuel and mags off.
6. You should ideally be aiming to arrive abeam your chosen touch-down point at 1000' - 1100' AGL, so mimicking your (familiar) view around the end of a normal downwind leg. This puts you in as familiar a position as possible, given the circumstances. This point in space is sometimes referred to as 'Low key'.
7. Get all of your pre-landing checks out of the way as you head for 'Low key'. Make a mayday call if you have the time.
8. If you're not going to make your chosen field, or it starts to look unsuitable (tall crop, cables, whatever) select a more suitable field.
8. Make your base-leg/final turn as best you can so as to land 1/3 into the field. Adjust the turns as necessary. NEVER STRETCH THE GLIDE.
9. Around now you can try to finesse the touchdown point a little earlier into the field if you feel the need/have the headspace, but the critical thing is to touchdown normally and either roll to a stop or roll into the far hedge. If the aeroplane is fitted with flaps, and you are making your touchdown point, then use them.
The point to remember is that you should be able to walk away from most engine failures/forced landings as long as you maintain control of the aeroplane all the way to the ground.
FLYER Club Member
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