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The route flown
He also pointed out many things stacked up in his favor: VFR conditions, calm winds and a diversion airport within 10 miles. He said he doesn’t remember being laser-focused on airspeed, but on reviewing his FlightAware data tracks, at no time did he drop below 120 mph, which is Vyse. “That wasn’t really a conscious thing; training kicked in, and I concentrated on making a stabilized approach.”
As for the left engine, it was a 200-hour factory-new unit, which had performed flawlessly up to the point of catastrophic failure. Fortunately, a competent maintenance shop at the Clinton, AR airport immediately went to work removing the engine.
What’s the best insurance a pilot can have in the face of an in-flight emergency? The things that are squarely in our control: Regular recurrent training, especially on emergency procedures, and recency of experience. That’s our best bet in ensuring a fortunate outcome to what could be a very unfortunate day.
Dianne White is a 35-year aviation industry veteran and the past editor-in-chief of Twin & Turbine Magazine. She is the former executive director of Malibu/M-Class Owners & Pilots Association (now known as PMOPA) and has worked with numerous general aviation companies throughout her career as a consultant and executive. She is an active instrument & multi-engine-rated pilot and owns several aircraft.
6 • TWIN & TURBINE / April 2024