Originally Posted by stiknruda
IF I lost the prop, the Cof G would be so far fwd that I don't think that she'd fly, BUT if I lost the prop and the engine the CofG would move rearwards and quite possibly be a safer scenario!
Stik
Stik, the engine is an essential part of the aircraft, even when it doesn't work, simply to keep the C of G within limits.
I heard the following apocryphal story many years ago.
A private pilot took a club aircraft for a spin. There he was, full of the joys of spring etc, when the propeller shed a blade. Out of balance forces then tore out the engine and one or two other minor bits and pieces.
The aircraft immediately went nose up, stalled, and started falling backwards. The pilot was now a passenger, and the aircraft fell to earth like an autumn leaf. It hit the ground while going forward, sustaining little further damage.
The pilot crawled out and saw the empty front end of the aeroplane. He found a phone, and in a high state of nerves, rang his flying club and did his best to describe the course of events.
"It's the engine!" he said, "it's - missing! It's missing completely!"
The chief pilot, not one to be excited unduly, tried to reassure him. "Sounds like you've got a bit of water in the electrics," he said.