In a single-engine light aircraft, how does engine failure impact controllability and required pitch attitude to maintain control?

• A. Engine failure causes symmetrical thrust; maintain a gentle climb.
• B. Engine failure has no effect on controllability if trimmed.
• C. Engine failure causes asymmetric thrust and yaw; maintain airspeed at best glide and use rudder/trim to hold control.
• D. Engine failure requires immediate stall recovery.

Answer: (C)

When the engine quits on a single-engine light aircraft, you lose thrust on one side, which creates an unbalanced condition. The windmilling prop and the resulting drag toward the dead engine cause yaw toward that side, and without another engine to provide opposing thrust, you must actively manage this tendency to keep the aircraft controllable.

To maintain control, establish the airspeed that gives you the best glide (maximum lift-to-drag ratio). This speed provides the most stable and controllable flight path for a safe forced landing option and gives you the best margin to maintain enough energy for maneuvering to a suitable site. Use the rudder to counter the yaw and trim to relieve control pressures so the aircraft remains coordinated with less pilot workload.

Keep the pitch at a level that holds the best-glide airspeed; avoid climbing or pulling up too aggressively (which can reduce airspeed and lead to a stall) or diving (which defeats control authority). The combination of the right airspeed, coordinated rudder input, and proper trim ensures you preserve controllability as you plan your forced landing.