ENGINE FAILURE! Prevention, Identification, and Confrontation

Hosted by renowned pilot and aviation expert CAPTAIN BRIAN SCHIFF

With special guest presenter MARK TOMICICH

We’ll start with a familiar scenario: a VFR cross-country after refueling that turns into an engine problem and an emergency approach in low ceilings and mist. Using the accident sequence—from the first vibration and oil-pressure anomaly through the last-ditch approach to Flagler County—we’ll focus on recognizing engine trouble early, choosing a landing option when options are limited, and avoiding a stall while “stretching” the glide near the ground. 

VFR content will cover preflight and maintenance red flags, fuel and configuration decisions, realistic personal weather minimums, and procedures to follow if you lose power near marginal VFR or rising terrain. 

IFR content will focus on clear, unambiguous communication with ATC, assessing whether vectors and approach geometry keep the runway within glide range, and controlling airspeed and altitude from cloud break to touchdown. Throughout, we’ll turn the investigation’s findings on oil-starvation engine failure, weak maintenance documentation, and pilot–controller miscommunication into practical checklists, briefing habits, and training scenarios any pilot can use on their very next flight.

What you’ll learn: 

• What to say to ATC - Clearly declare the emergency and the actual situation (e.g., “lost all power”) so ATC understands the severity and vectors you with runway and glide range in mind.
• What needs to be prioritized - Treat oil-pressure anomalies, visible leaks, and recent engine work as high-consequence risk factors and be willing to divert early rather than “press on.”
• How to safely reach an emergency landing site - In IMC or marginal VFR, think glide range first: question any vectoring or approach geometry that moves you away from your best landing option when power is in doubt.
• How to maintain aircraft control - Protect airspeed and angle of attack all the way to the ground; resist the urge to “stretch the glide,” especially when breaking out low with obstacles ahead.
• How to make maintenance-related decisions -Handle maintenance and modifications professionally: ensure proper documentation, understand what was done, and verify airworthiness before launching on demanding flights.
• How to create a conservative safety margin -As a VFR pilot, respect how quickly a “simple” trip can turn into an IFR-quality emergency, and set personal weather and fuel/alternate minimums that provide margins when something fails.

This podcast is the audio part of the original live video broadcast available at https://www.theschiffshow.tv/15 If you wish, please visit that website to view the archived version of the live event - including audience comments and polling.

This podcast qualifies for FAA WINGS credit.  After listening, go HERE to test your knowledge and earn immediate FAA WINGS credit upon successful completion of the quiz.  You must be registered on the FAA Safety Team website to access this quiz and credits.  If you have not yet registered, you may do so HERE.

THE SCHIFF SHOW is proudly sponsored by AVEMCO.  Learn more about Avemco Insurance Company HERE or give them a call 800-276-5199.  Tell them THE SCHIFF SHOW sent you and earn a 5% discount on your aircraft insurance.