Author Topic: Engine failure on take off (Read 309 times)

SunTracker · « **on:** April 22, 2004, 07:49:48 PM »

I had just lifted my r/c plane off the runway and was about 15 feet high when the engine started running very rough. I throttled back to see if it would at least provide some power. Then it quit. I leveled off, the plane started stalling, and then it impacted some heavy brush. The wings and engine popped off, but I was able to fix the damage in 15 minutes.

So whats the proper procedure for engine failure on takeoff?

Cougar68 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2004, 07:51:41 PM »

If we're talking real planes, unless you've got 700' or more you glide and land as straight ahead as possible. Even if it means going into a lake. Try turning back lower than that and you run the serious risk of a stall/spin which usually equals no more pilot.

Cougar

ra · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2004, 07:58:45 PM »

Leveling off was a bad idea. Push the nose down and get some flying speed. With an RC plane 15 feet is pretty high.

Dinger · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2004, 09:04:43 PM »

yeah, and fly straight. if you must adjust the bank, use the rudder. Don't hit the ailers.

gofaster · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2004, 09:41:04 PM »

Engine failure in an R/C plane - well there's only one procedure you should do: open your wallet and see how much money you have.

Otto · « **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2004, 09:49:26 PM »

You did about all you could but you need to find out why the engine quit.

Warning: this information is for R/C aircraft only.

Golfer · « **Reply #6 on:** April 23, 2004, 03:15:27 AM »

A mistake a lot of new R/C flyers make is they run their mixtures too rich. You want to lean it out until you get peak rpm and can throttle up/down the full throw of the carb without having the engine burp. During break in for new engines, I run mine rich at max power on a test stand (vice) with a little servo mounted on the workbench to keep the throttle full open. I just leave it until about a gallon of fuel has been run through then I bolt it onto the airplane. I run the engines lean because you can go from a low rpm to a high without running as much risk of flooding the glowplug. Also, while holding the airplane, a preflight runup should include a few seconds at max power in level, nose down and nose up attitudes with you holding the airplane in the attitudes. This will help you isolate where/why the engine is running rough.