DA 42 NG Demonstration Engine Failure during Take-off

For demonstration of the single engine flight characteristics following an engine failure shortly after take-off, a series of tests were conducted with cutting the engine at various heights, starting from 50ft down to rotation. A successful land-back was demonstrated in all instances, with a subsequent demonstration of a safe continued flight after an engine failure at 50ft.

All engine failures had docile handling characteristics and required no exceptional piloting skill.

Tested in Graz, Austria (LOWG) with a DA 42 NG test aeroplane. The algae and EADS decals were still present from unrelated, earlier tests.


* Disclaimer *
Flight Test routinely operates its test aeroplanes outside normal operational limits. This is done only after careful consideration of the effect, and implementation of mitigating limitations and procedures.
The manoeuvres does not constitute an endorsement from Diamond Aircraft to operate the aeroplane in a similar manner. Consult the AFM for the appropriate limitations and normal operating procedures:

© Diamond Aircraft

[gregzapia]

very nice reaction time, almost immediate, the pilot saw the light ;)

[Mike-]

I was reading that this is one of the most difficult tasks is 1 engine out on takeoff to train for because generally it's done at altitude which doesn't really simulate a real engine out on take off with a light twin.

[aky]

According to research the aerodynamic consequences of the failure, the performance penalty is very significant. While the failure of an engine represents a 50% loss of available power, it can result in as much as an 80% loss of performance.

[danemontana]

I have a question about the flaps. I'm flying DA42 atm for my multi engine and IFR rating. I did notice your engine looks abit different from mine I'm wondering if its different than the ones I fly. In my aircraft you dont take off with flaps. Is there a time that you might. I just browsed through my POH and couldn't find anything other than flaps up for any sort of take off. I'm just trying to learn. Thank you

[brucedeville]

I am definitely not a world class multiengine pilot, but I can tell you that the thing most important on take off in my Beech 18/C45 days was the possibility of engine failure. Until I reached 1500 feet it was "where can I put this thing down". No climb out at max gross in August in Louisiana. Its how can I save all souls on board. Never, never think about turning back, raise the dead, that is keep your dead engine wing high. If necessary, reduce power on good engine to maintain directional control. Fly the damn airplane above all else. Lower the nose maintain Vmc or above, if necessary make it a single engine, that is shut it all down, better than a stall & spiral in.

[MarcCurvinMD]

The auto feather feature is impressive. A lifesaver. These videos are scary but sure the case for the DA42.

[Maniac]

Light twins are a freakin' nightmare to have an engine failure on. So much of their performance depends on both engines running, especially engine prop wash keeping its attached wing flying.

[gdotone]

is there a reason why they don't demo the right engine failure. what about both engines out. is there anyway to have the computer enforce flight characteristics when an engine shut down occurs

[Desmodromic]

Since it has high compression it wont windmill if you switch it off?

[bennyworldwide]

Does this guy ever take-off on the centerline??

[Jibriltz]

Very, very well controlled - many pilots (myself included) have to fight the urge to put power on to stay in the air if there's anything strange. It is certainly counter-intuitive to do one thing when above Vy and the exact opposite before it and with the gear down

[Jdr]

This is flight testing, and these are flight test pilots at the controls, backed up by flight test and ground engineers... These guys could be next in space and you're still arguing ?

[Arp]

Great training demonstration! Thanks for posting this.

[akkalakakalakka]

Notice how they take off right of centerline then land left of centerline. They always fail the left engine, so he adverse yaw created by the right engine will cause them to go left. And since this is demonstration, they anticipated that the plane will inevitably do that, so they start a little right for safety measure.

[cjoller]

The only problem with this is that the engine shut off is expected… I understand during takeoff you definitely shouldn’t get complacent but people do… what would it be like if it were unexpected random shut off during takeoff tho? Im only asking bc I’m trying to learn. Soaking in as much knowledge as i possibly can bc I haven’t started class yet. Everything I learn prior to getting my certificates is definitely useful information. As an added benefit, it could help me pass the written exam of book knowledge

[wangzunzhi]

If you know what to expect it’s not hard, but human factors had to be involved, still good job

[emergencylowmaneuvering]

yes, you will be displaced to side, due reaction time... I was a multi CFI.

[TheRealCFF]

Why are you not taking off with the main landing gear straddling the runway centerline?

[akosmaroy]

they are taking off with LDG flags, which is not the normal take-off procedure...

[onecheman]

Nice video, one question:
What is the pourpose of the video? Whatdo you want to demostrate?

Regards.