Originally Posted by
RatherBeFlying
Remember that a good approach to a poor field is much better than a poor approach to a good field.
Excellent advice. When the engine stops the insurance company just became the proud owner of the aircraft. What the airplane looks like when it comes to a stop is immaterial, the only consideration is the health of the people in it.
The best way to ensure a successful outcome is to make sure the aircraft contacts a more or less level surface in a level attitude. Too fast is always better than too slow on the approach as you can always smash the aircraft into the ground if you have to. Too slow usually means coming up short and hitting something in the air and at flying speed
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Finally remember 80% of engine failures are caused by the actions or inactions of the pilot, so the best way to deal with an engine failure is to not let it fail in the first place.