Let us say I got a time critical emergency right after the liftoff (like a fire, complete power loss) and I need do a return-to-runway and re-land maneuver. Which option is better, a 180-degree turn for a tailwind landing or a 360-degree turn for a headwind landing?
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4$\begingroup$ It probably depends strongly on whether you have any working engines left or not. A fire in the cabin is different from engine-out. But your question just groups these things together, and the answers all seem to be about the no-power case, where you can't power through 180 turn. $\endgroup$– Peter CordesCommented Jun 12, 2021 at 4:44
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2$\begingroup$ Ahem. A 360 is basically useless, as you end up exactly where you were, but just lower ! $\endgroup$– kebsCommented Jun 12, 2021 at 21:39
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2$\begingroup$ @kebs I think you can assume the OP means a 360 back to the other end of the strip. LOL. $\endgroup$– End Antisemitic HateCommented Jun 13, 2021 at 14:55
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1$\begingroup$ @RockPaperLz-MaskitorCasket Sure, got that. But I wanted to point out that the question was ill formulated. Technically, when you get ordered from ATC to "do a 360", that is... a 360 turn ! What he meant here (?) is just a "circuit", just a short one, to get back to runway. $\endgroup$– kebsCommented Jun 13, 2021 at 15:50
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$\begingroup$ We've all answered for Single Engine Piston (or lower, in the case of the glider answer!). Can you confirm that was what you were interested in the answer for - as multi/jet etc changes things quite considerably $\endgroup$– Jamiec ♦Commented Jun 14, 2021 at 8:38
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3 Answers
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Neither! The right course of action with engine failure or emergency after take off is land straight ahead within 30 degrees of straight.
If there is enough runway ahead of you, land on that. That is the first (and best) option.
180 and land is possible, I've seen it done a couple of times. If it goes badly, it goes REALLY badly. The likelihood of being able to glide an entire circuit (traffic) pattern is almost non-existent unless you're quite far down the downwind leg - you only have to practice glide approaches from the pattern to realise that.
The only time I would even attempt it if I had a partial loss of power and was able to maintain straight and level flight, then I might limp round the pattern and land as usual.
But I re-iterate, any significant emergency below circuit height, with significant loss of power or significant need to get back on the ground ASAP almost requires an emergency landing straight ahead.
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$\begingroup$ Comments are not for extended discussion; this conversation has been moved to chat. $\endgroup$– foootCommented Jun 17, 2021 at 17:58
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Some aviators have performed tests in various aircraft - see the video below, in short the results show that a 180 works for some aircraft, under some circumstances with some pilots. A 180 back to the runway landing in the opposite direction is more than 180° though.
The bottom line is however, it is better to land within 30° either side straight ahead.
And may I suggest, with modern technology, especially if your airfield is surrounded by urban sprawl, to study the after takeoff areas using your favorite satellite image app (mine is SASPlanet) and have predetermined areas in in your mind in case such an emergency arises.
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In glider training I was told to prepare for line break, ie the line from the tow plane would break (or other mishaps). Up to a certain height, straight ahead within a limited arc. Select and plan for the fields to land on (different due to season and type of growth). Up to next height, 180 degrees. Above that height a full landing pattern. Of course, the actual height would be different depending on type of plane and other circumstances.
The main point was (is): prepare for problems and create plans -- once there follow the plan and Aviate, Navigate, Communicate in that order.
When training for powered flight from a municipal airport, my teacher did show alternative emergancy landing sites causing as little problem as possible for me and innocent bystanders. Better to aim for a small lake than a large office building.
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1$\begingroup$ To be fair, a glider has a much better glide ratio by nature, so a turn back to the field should be much less of an issue. $\endgroup$– MD88FanCommented Jun 12, 2021 at 22:44
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$\begingroup$ @MD88Fan: not really less of an issue. Eagerly, perhaps afraid, and doing a 180 when low on energy seems to be a sure recipe for "uncontrolled" flight into ground. It is quite easy to enter spin controls when trying to "heave" the plane back to the field. $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 14, 2021 at 16:06
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$\begingroup$ @MD88Fan, that basically just affects the altitude above which it becomes an option. $\endgroup$ Commented Jun 14, 2021 at 21:02