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Published: November 11, 2025
A sudden power loss during a flight sounds surprising to many people, but planes are built to stay steady even in quiet moments when the engines change their sound or stop providing thrust. When an airliner loses power, the wings keep working, the systems shift into backup mode, and the crew begins a set of steps they have practiced many times. By understanding what happens before, during, and after a power reduction, the whole situation becomes easier to follow. The next section explains how the flight crew handles this rare event.
When a pilot notices that an airplane has lost power or has a full engine failure, they follow a very organized flow. A plane does not fall straight down. It becomes a smooth glider, and its wings let it stay stable without engines. Even a large commercial airliner can able to glide surprising distances when kept at the correct speed. At typical cruise altitude, the plane may cover dozens of nautical miles, giving enough time to plan a safe landing.
Right away, pilots adjust the air speed to the best number for a safe glide. This protects the glide performance and the glide ratio, which together decide how far the plane can travel before reaching lower altitude. They also check controls like hydraulics and the electrical system. If the main generator stops, the plane switches to backups. One important backup is the ram air turbine, often called the RAT, which drops into the wind. It uses air flowing around the plane to make enough power for key tools such as radios and some flight instruments. The auxiliary power unit (or APU) can also deploy to support electrical power and basic flight controls.
Backup systems prevent a complete loss of power or complete power event from becoming worse. Even if a rare dual engine issue or dual engine flameout happens, pilots still manage the plane. Events like a bird strike, ran out of fuel, fuel leak, or volcanic ash can cause engines to fail, but pilots are trained for these scenarios. They contact air traffic control and turn toward the nearest suitable landing area such as a clear runway, open land, or water.
History shows how effective training can be. In US Airways Flight 1549, the crew experienced a bird strike and soon lost all engine power. Despite losing thrust, they used expert judgment and controlled the passenger plane during the famous ditching in the Hudson River, known as the Miracle on the Hudson. In another case, Air Transat Flight 236 ran out of fuel over the Atlantic. That aircraft glided all the way to the Azores and reached an airport safely. There is also an Air Canada Flight and a British Airways Flight that showed similar calm handling.
Below is the table showing how pilots manage the moment:
| Step | What Pilots Do | Why It Helps |
| 1 | Set the best glide speed | Maintains stable flight and extends glide distance |
| 2 | Maintain control using flight controls | Helps control the airplane even without engines |
| 3 | Check engine instruments and restart options | Confirms if any engine power can return |
| 4 | Activate backup systems (APU, RAT) | Restores enough to power key tools and radios |
| 5 | Communicate with air traffic control | Guides pilots toward the nearest suitable landing |
| 6 | Plan glide path to an airport or landing site | Supports a safe approach |
| 7 | Prepare the aircraft for landing | Sets up gear, flaps, and descent |
| 8 | Land safely on runway, field, or water | Protects passengers and crew |
Pilots continue monitoring every part of the process until the plane reaches a runway or safe area to land safely. Even when an airliner loses thrust or experiences a total loss, their training makes the event calm and controlled.
Inside the cabin, passengers may first notice a change in sound. When aircraft engines slow down or stop making strong engine thrust, the cabin becomes quieter. A power outage may also change the lighting briefly as systems switch to auxiliary or emergency sources. Even when the airliner is losing engine power, the wings keep lifting the plane forward. The plane stays steady because it still has airspeed and room to move.
Cabin crew members will stay calm and continue assisting. They might remind passengers to stay seated. Pilots still control the aircraft, even during a complete loss or total engine situation. Systems like the APU and RAT keep basic tools working so communication continues. Even a jet engine problem caused by volcanic ash, bird strike, or other mid air factors leaves the plane with enough stability to glide in a predictable way.
Passengers might feel the aircraft begin to lose altitude, but this is normal. It does not feel like a sharp drop. It feels more like the plane is slowing down and settling forward. The goal is to use the natural glide distance at normal cruising altitude or cruising altitude to reach a safe place on the ground. Examples such as us airways flight events and others prove how structured and calm these procedures can be.
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A commercial airliner is designed to function even during a dual engine loss. Many airliners can glide far enough to find a suitable landing site. The plane and the people operating it are prepared for these rare moments.
Power loss events can look similar on the surface, but each one has details that change how the pilots handle the situation. A modern commercial plane has strong systems, layered backups, and trained crews who can manage many types of engine trouble. Still, every event has its own shape. The crew looks at what happened, how much time they have, and what the plane can still do. This helps them choose the safest plan.
Some events are small and happen on only one engine. Others affect both sides at the same time. When engines fail, the pilots feel the change right away. The sound might fade, the vibration might lessen, and some systems that are normally provided by the engines start switching to backups. Even in quiet moments, the plane would stay stable because it still has speed and airflow over the wings. The pilots guide the glide, trim the controls, and keep the jet pointed toward the safest path forward.
The experience can also depend on how high the plane is. A power event at cruise gives more time. A similar event near the ground gives less. Pilots adjust their steps based on altitude, speed, traffic nearby, and how many tools they still have. They take each clue seriously so they can keep everyone calm.
Each factor shapes the next step. The crew stays focused, avoids rushing, and works the checklist from memory and from the cockpit systems. The good news is that many planes handle these moments smoothly.
Planes come in many designs, sizes, and weights. They also have different wings and engine setups. So a power loss can feel different from one aircraft to the next. The results depend on how the plane glides, how it holds speed, and how much backup energy it can produce without power from the main engines. These details vary by plane, and they change how the pilots work through each step.
Some jets have strong auxiliary systems. Others lean more on mechanical controls. Some glide farther. Some are heavier. Pilots learn the behavior of the aircraft they fly every day. They know how it reacts in low-power situations and how much space it needs to line up for landing. They train on these details for hours so they can stay ahead of the situation.
A key difference comes from how each plane manages its control surfaces. Certain models can move the ailerons, rudder, and elevator with full backup power. Others rely on reduced systems. In some models, part of the hydraulic network is powered by separate pumps. In others, the RAT or auxiliary units move some surfaces. These features change how pilots maneuver in the glide.
Here are the main design features that shape each plane’s behavior:
The pilots understand how all these fit together. This helps them work calmly. It also helps them plan the safest path toward landing. The plane still responds to them, even when there is trouble, as long as they keep enough speed and stay focused.
Backup power systems are some of the biggest reasons a loss of thrust is far safer than most people think. Each system acts like a helper that takes over a part of the workload. Together they keep the cockpit alive, the communication online, and the flight controls responsive. This makes a big difference when a jet loses thrust.
A plane may have extra electrical sources, mechanical pumps, small turbines that drop into the wind, and special units dedicated to supporting the cockpit during trouble. Even when the engines stop pushing, the plane still has airflow. With airflow, many of the backups can spin, charge, or pump what the pilots need.
The crew can rely on these systems to power radios, screens, gauges, and navigation tools. It also helps them move the control surfaces that guide the glide. Pilots stay calm because the plane gives them what they need to keep flying for a long time.
Backup systems protect against total power loss. They give pilots time and options. If the plane keeps talking to controllers, keeps reading altitude, and keeps responding to commands, the crew can guide it safely.
Backup systems can support:
Each backup has a role. Each part gives the pilots a chance to keep going. Many passengers never realize how many layers of safety sit behind their seats.
Pilot training makes a major impact on how smoothly these events go. Crews spend many hours practicing low-thrust, reduced-power, and full-power-out scenarios. They learn which steps to take and in what order. They learn how to keep control of the aircraft with minimal systems. They also learn how to stay calm when alarms sound. This allows them to slow everything down and make the right call.
The first step is always to fly the plane. Then they confirm the situation, choose the plan, and work through the checklist. The steps are simple, but the teamwork and timing matter a lot. Training helps the crew avoid mistakes and focus only on what helps.
Pilots talk with each other constantly during these moments. They repeat key information. They double-check readings. They help each other stay on task. The cabin crew also plays a role. They keep the passengers calm, explain what they can, and make sure the cabin stays safe and prepared.
Training helps everyone move like one team. A pilot’s voice on the intercom can be warm and steady. A flight attendant’s smile can relax the cabin. This teamwork keeps the whole cabin comfortable, even when something unusual is going on.
A big part of the job is choosing the best landing spot. The plane needs room, a smooth surface, and a safe path. The pilots think about distance, wind, traffic, and terrain. They also think about how much altitude remains. They know the glide shape well and use it to place the plane exactly where they want it.
Landing options can change depending on what happened. When a jet loses thrust, the crew may head toward the nearest airport. In other situations, they might keep flying for a few more minutes to reach a bigger airfield. Sometimes they can use full flaps and gear. Other times, they land cleaner and faster. The method depends on training and tools.
Some aircraft behave differently depending on type and configuration. Larger planes may need more space. Smaller jets land in tighter spots. The crew knows these limits by heart. They match their plan to the model they fly.
Pilots want a landing that is safe, smooth, and predictable. They gently aim the glide, guide the speed, and control the descent. Even with limited power, they make choices that protect the passengers.
Planes are designed to stay stable and controlled even in rare situations when they lose thrust. Pilots train for these moments, and the aircraft has reliable backups to keep everyone safe during the glide and landing. I hope this guide helps you feel more confident about how the process works. For more clear aviation explanations, visit https://flying411.com/ and learn even more about WHAT HAPPENS IF A PLANE LOSES POWER.
Yes. Backup power units can support key systems long enough for pilots to reach a safe landing area.
Most large transport jets have one, but smaller planes use different backup designs.
It can, but pilots practice takeoff emergencies often and know how to handle them quickly.
Yes. They guide the plane’s speed, angle, and direction throughout the glide.
Crew members usually make an announcement once the pilots finish their first safety steps.