Climb gradient and obst' clearance on SID
 

Scenario-You are departing IFR on a SID in a light twin and enter cloud at 1000'.Soon after an engine quits and you can't comply with the published climb gradient or rate of climb.

Now I know in some marginal performing twins a slow descent is the result and it is a genuine emergency where an off field let down maybe required.However,I'm wondering about the likes of a lightly loaded Seneca where a reasonable rate of climb can be achieved but not quite what is required on the procedure.. .What are the options in this case?Niether the M.S.A nor published altitudes have been reached yet and you don't know the controlers minimum vectoring altitude.. . . .All replies gratefully received.

This comes under the heading of "contingency planning". You need to figure out an escape route that will take you to somewhere safe. It could be that there is no significant terrain to worry about, but you won't know for sure without doing a bit of topographic homework first.

Plus you should always inform ATC if you cant maintain MRC anyway.

. .Julian.