Flameout

A flameout is the unplanned, uncommanded cessation of combustion in a gas turbine engine. The engine ceases to produce thrust and the aircraft must be managed as a glider until the engine can be restarted in flight or a forced landing is made.

Causes

• Fuel exhaustion or fuel starvation: Most common cause; fuel management errors, fuel system failures, or running a tank dry
• Compressor stall: Disrupted airflow through the compressor disrupts combustion
• Ingestion: Ingestion of foreign objects, hail, heavy rain, volcanic ash, or birds can extinguish the flame
• Altitude exceedance: Operating above the engine’s altitude limits
• Aggressive manoeuvres: Abrupt throttle movements or unusual attitudes can disrupt combustion

In-Flight Restart

Most turbine engines can be restarted in flight if sufficient altitude and airspeed exist. The restart window varies by aircraft — consult the POH/AFM for the restart envelope (altitude, airspeed, and RPM limits for restart). If restart fails, declare an emergency, manage the aircraft as a glider, and execute a forced landing.

Related Terms

See also: Aircraft Engine, Mayday.