---
title: "How aircraft can keep flying after an engine failure — OnlyPlanes"
description: "If one engine fails, the liner retains lift and can fly on the remaining one. How the crew controls the aircraft and selects the airfield."
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  "og:title": "How aircraft can keep flying after an engine failure"
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Flight explained

# How aircraft can keep flying after an engine failureHow aircraft can keep flying after an engine failure

How an airliner continues flying, what the crew do and why the wing keeps working.

The short answer

The engine creates thrust, and the lift creates a wing as it moves through the air. After the failure of one engine, the multi-engine aircraft does not lose the ability to fly: the remaining power plant provides thrust, and the crew compensates for the asymmetry that has arisen.

## How the plane continues to fly after engine failure

Aircraft are certified with this scenario in mind. Important stages of takeoff are calculated in advance, and pilots regularly work out the failure on the simulator. After stabilization, the crew assesses the situation and selects the appropriate airport.

Even with complete loss of thrust, the aircraft does not fall vertically, but plans, exchanging height for distance. This is an extremely serious situation, but the aerodynamic properties of the wing remain.

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