ENGINE WOULD NOT RESTART IN FLIGHT

[Dries303]

Hi fellow aviators:

Last Thursday afternoon I decided to fly a view circuits and to practice simulated force landings. I was curious to experience the dead silence when the engine is completely off and while overhead the airstrip, I switched off the contacts in flight. After about a half minute, while going down, I tried to restart the engine, but it wouldn't restart! I tried several times and then gave up and started to concentrate on the landing. I must say, it was quite scary to realize that I now only have one chance. THe landing was furtunately good. When I came to a stop I again tried to start the engine, but it took a while and I had to use the choke. It is strange to me because my engine usually never struggle to start for the first time. I did not pull the choke while attempting to restart while in flight. Any suggestions what could have been the cause for not restarting? I have an Aquilla 582(silver top)

Regards

[nickjaxe]

You did remember to flick the mags back on didn't you.....easy to forget in flight.

Nick.

[Dries303]

Hi Nick:

Yes, I did flick the mags on. In retrospect, I think I might have accedentally pushed the throttle a littel bit in with my right foot resulting in the carbs to overflow. Just enough overflow to prevent the motor from starting and to scare the hell out of me!

Regards

[Dobbs]

Well done for ensuring that you were in a position to ensure a safe landing if the engine did not restart - I saw a guy end up in the sugar cane after he could not get his engine running after a simulated engine out - he forgot to switch the mags back on

[Kalahari]

I remember that on my trike it it did not want to start if I push the throttle, must be in idle position, I also practised what you did from time to time and sometimes when the engine is off you are nervous and it is a natural reaction to push the throttle, most of the time without even realising it which usually cause difficulty in starting the engine.

My 2c worth!

[Dries303]

I am inclined to think that was probably the problem, i.e that I pushed the throttle without realising it. I am just wondering whether it is a good idea to practice this, taking into account the risk of misjudging the landing and ending up paying with your life! How long must you spend time to try to restart the engine while this valuable time must rather be spent on finding the right spot to land. It is amazing how the pressure builds up as soon you realizes that the engine would not restart. I can only imagine how it must feel if this happen (engine out) not overhead a comfortable airstrip.....

[Hadams]

SFF_FAST

SFF
S peed
F ield
F ault
-
FAST
F uel
A ir
S park
T est restart!

After that concentrate on the landing!

I practice dead stick landings at least every three to four landings or trips, i might add that i combine that with trying to land like the champs in the first box! After about twenty of these landings it starts to become second nature. I must add that i had the best instructer that liked to switch my mags OFF and at the time i was doing my training i had NO electric start, so those were usually very interesting! I always switch my mags OFF and keep my hand on them until the engine was quiet and then immediately switch them back on, that way you can not forget to switch hem back on!

The best feeling is when you hit the box every time! yipee! But still ALOT to learn from the PRO's like Marc.

[Kalahari]

I think this a very important exercise under controlled circumstances, but try to make a habit of changing the ignition switches back to the on position immediately after the engine stopped and not when you try to restart, this will prevent a scenario where you forget to switch them on again when in panic mode once you try to restart, it worked for me.

[Dries303]

I am now more positive in exercising the "dead stick" situation again in future. I think however, that it is important to follow your good advice in limiting the risks. After all, I think pilots should be prepared for all eventualities and the only way to be prepared, is to exercise them!