Piston engines very rarely cut out instantly - even running out of fuel is likely to give you a couple of coughs to warn you before power disappears. As a result, the 1.1 second scenario is highly unlikely.
A well-designed and properly maintained piston engine is a very reliable piece of kit.
The key seems to be keeping your hand near the collective, just in case.
My understanding is that a turbine can cut without warning - perhaps some of you high-time turbine pilots can confirm that through personal experience?