I was told that in the early days of flying many engine failures occurred as the pilot altered the power setting on his engine as he approached the air field, especially after the engine had been at one power setting for a long period. As to why the engine should suddenly fail at this point is not clear to me, but this was the reason given for his instruction. “Always be within gliding distance of the air field before you make any power reduction”.
Could this be the origin of the military method of chopping power when opposite the numbers on the down wind, and make a curved dead stick approach and landing?
Personally I look upon each landing as a unique event, and treat it as such. I do whatever I need to, in order to hit the numbers.
Regards,
White Bear.