What is the proper procedure for performing a forced landing after engine failure?

• A. Maintain best glide speed, select landing area, approach and land with controlled descent and braking
• B. Immediately climb to avoid obstacles
• C. Turn toward a highway
• D. Attempt to restart engine repeatedly without planning

Answer: (A)

The main idea is energy management and a controlled descent to a safe landing area. After an engine failure, the priority is to keep the aircraft under control and use the best glide speed to maximize the distance you can travel forward for the altitude you still have. This speed gives you the greatest chance to reach a suitable field or open area rather than losing too much altitude too quickly or stalling.

Once you’re stabilized in a steady glide, scan for the best landing area ahead with the fewest obstacles. Pick that site and then fly a coordinated, stabilized approach to it, shaping the descent so you arrive on the chosen spot with enough energy to touchdown smoothly and brake as needed to stop. This sequence—glide at best speed, select a landing area, then execute a controlled approach and landing with braking—maximizes your chances of a safe outcome.

Climbing after an engine failure isn’t possible with certainty and would waste precious altitude and airspeed. Turning toward a highway isn’t the default best option unless it truly is the safest available landing area after evaluating all others. Repeatedly trying to restart without a planned approach to landing wastes time and energy; you should first plan the forced landing and then attempt an restart only if conditions and altitude allow a safe continuation.