What Happens If a Plane Loses Both Engines?

The idea of an airplane losing both engines mid-flight sounds terrifying. After all, engines provide the thrust that keeps a plane moving forward. But what many people don’t realize is that even without engine power, an aircraft doesn’t simply fall out of the sky. In fact, modern airplanes are designed to handle exactly this kind of scenario.

Planes Don’t Just Drop

Airplanes stay in the air because of lift, which is created by airflow over the wings—not directly by the engines. The engines provide thrust, pushing the aircraft forward, but as long as the plane is moving through the air, the wings can continue to generate lift.

When both engines fail, the aircraft transitions into what’s called a glide. Pilots adjust the angle of the aircraft to maintain the best glide speed, allowing the plane to travel forward and descend gradually rather than plummet.

Depending on the aircraft, a plane can glide surprisingly far. A typical commercial jet can glide about 15–20 kilometers forward for every kilometer of altitude. That means from cruising altitude, pilots often have significant time to plan a safe landing.

What Causes Dual Engine Failure?

While extremely rare, there are a few known causes:

• Fuel exhaustion or contamination

• Severe weather conditions (like volcanic ash clouds)

• Bird strikes affecting both engines

• Mechanical or maintenance-related issues

Modern aviation systems are built with redundancy, making total engine failure highly unlikely—but not impossible.

What Pilots Do Immediately

When both engines fail, pilots follow well-rehearsed emergency procedures:

• Stabilize the aircraft at optimal glide speed

• Attempt engine restart, if possible

• Communicate with air traffic control and declare an emergency

• Identify a suitable landing site, such as an airport or open terrain

Pilots are extensively trained in simulators for these situations, ensuring that their response is quick and methodical.

Famous Real-Life Examples

There have been a few well-known incidents where pilots successfully managed dual engine failure:

• US Airways Flight 1549 (2009): After a bird strike disabled both engines, Captain Chesley Sullenberger safely glided the aircraft onto the Hudson River in what became known as the Miracle on the Hudson. All passengers survived.

• Gimli Glider (1983): An Air Canada flight ran out of fuel mid-flight but was successfully glided to a former airbase by skilled pilots.

These events highlight that even in extreme situations, trained crews and aircraft design can make survival possible.

Backup Systems Still Work

Even without engines, airplanes are not powerless. Most commercial aircraft have backup systems such as a Ram Air Turbine (RAT)—a small propeller that deploys into the airflow to generate electricity and hydraulic power. This allows pilots to maintain control of essential flight systems.

The Outcome: Emergency Landing

Ultimately, the goal is to land the aircraft safely. This could be at:

• A nearby airport

• A runway identified during the glide

• In rare cases, water or open land

While the situation is serious, it is far from hopeless. With altitude, skill, and preparation, pilots can guide the aircraft to a controlled landing.

Conclusion

Losing both engines is one of the most dramatic scenarios in aviation—but it’s not an automatic disaster. Airplanes are built to glide, and pilots are trained to handle exactly this kind of emergency.

The combination of aerodynamic design, backup systems, and human expertise means that even without engines, a plane still has one crucial advantage: time to find a way down safely.

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