Partial power failure in aeroplanes and powered sailplanes including TMGs
Resulting from trend data and an AAIB recommendation, the CAA is promoting training and pre-flight consideration of partial power loss in aeroplanes and powered sailplanes including TMGs. For example, partial power loss training is included in the latest SFCL SPL TMG extension syllabus.
The CAA’s safety promotion contractor, Astral Aviation, has published some information including a video. This Australian publication also considers the partial power failure topic from an aeroplane pilot perspective and summarises:
Pre-flight checks prevent partial power loss: Occurrence statistics indicate that many partial power losses could have been prevented by thorough pre-flight checks. Some conditions reported as causing partial power loss after takeoff are fuel starvation, spark plug fouling, carburettor icing and pre-ignition conditions. In many cases, these conditions may have been identified throughout the pre-takeoff and on-takeoff check phases of the flight sequence.
Pre-flight planning and pre-takeoff briefings: Even if a partial power loss does occur after take-off, considering actions to take following a partial power loss after take-off during the process of planning and the preflight safety brief (Eventualities) gives pilots a much better chance of maintaining control of the aircraft, and helps the pilot respond immediately and stay ahead of the aircraft. Considerations include planning for rejecting a takeoff, landing immediately within the aerodrome, landing beyond the aerodrome, and conducting a turnback towards the aerodrome.
Stay in control: If nothing else, maintain glidespeed and plan a maximum bank angle against your personal minimums, which you will not exceed if a turnback is an option. Be prepared to re-assess the situation throughout any manoeuvre.