Partial engine failure with landing! Piper Aztec E, ILS approach in IMC to 700' ceilings.

[@misssmith7225]

Just watching a panel of half understood dials, and a left engine propeller was absolutely gripping. It took two days to watch this, as the anxiety was too much. I think if either of you had spell of deep coughing, that plane would have asked for it's last rites on it's own behalf. Watching this was amazing. To watch someone fly by instruments was a privilege. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@TerrafuseInc]

Thanks! It was very intense!

[@RJ1Reed]

Wow CRM at its finest! Thank you for sharing…..!

[@TerrafuseInc]

Thanks!

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

I have 2 full feathered landings on multies as CFI. He is lucky the engine didnt die completely and he had a windmilling prop to deal not feathered.

[@JimBahbOKCrackerby]

I’ve watched this several times. We recently added an Aztec-E to the stable. Transatlantic flying is very unforgiving. Having said that, and on the basis of a half dozen such trips may I add this commentary: Always, always, always keep the emergency procedures checklist out -at your fingertips. Next, assume there will be trouble. If trouble comes, WORK THE CHECKLIST for the problem at hand. Over the Atlantic, be quick to declare an emergency. If ditching is a possibility you may not want to fly over and pass a rescue ship. Altitude is a premium. You did a great job there but you should have hit the localizer at chart altitude. Yes, the Aztec performs miserably on one engine climbing. But you had the airport made on one engine had the left failed totally. Be failing to maintain an approach profile from the chart you ran the very real risk of having too much altitude followed by a missed approach. That would have required new underwear. Inflight emergencies are always perfectly clear AFTER it’s all over. Checklist usage greatly improves your survival probability and keeps you focused on as much stability as the circumstances permit. Lastly, your co driver is one BD aviator. Keep him on retainer. If you ever ferry another Aztec that’s been sitting, insist that the tanks be drained completely, flush bowls/lines with new clean fuel. Before refueling have a competent mechanic carefully inspect the bladders for any sign of cracking or deterioration. Bladders die young when not stored with either full fuel or storage prep (light oiling). You did a great job!

[@TerrafuseInc]

Thanks for all the valuable feedback!! So much hindsight for sure!!

[@marinablueGS]

Every landing you walk away from is a good one....I think that's the old saying. Congrats on your good ending! No injuries, no damage, and hopefully, no stained underwear.

[@TerrafuseInc]

Yes sir, I agree!!

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

Stupid is as stupid talks. No is not.

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

The left engine was not producing much power. Did you adjust the mixture and fuel pump on too?

[@earnedwings5206]

Great job!

[@flat6fever680]

Wow! Edge of seat. I went from your concrete overlay video to this and wasn't expecting either! Both were excellent.

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

BS..

[@Tamactiii]

Holy Moly, This is the exact definition of how not to handle an emergency. Thank God there were no passengers on board! How was there not one official checklist ran? How did nobody declare an emergency? NO approach briefing for an instrument approach??? I lost count of how many full scale deflections occurred on the approach. If your CFI is more experienced he should have controls during a real emergency.

[@emergencylowmaneuvering7350]

Agreed. I have 2 full feathered landings on multies as CFI. He is lucky the engine didnt die completely and he had a windmilling prop to deal with no feathered. Luck is not talent.

[@piper0428]

Awesome!

[@TerrafuseInc]

Thanks!

[@marvinadams6762]

Couple questions for you. Why did you hesitate to declare an emergency? Also, why did you not go ahead and feather your left prop/secure your left engine and just fly a single engine approach?

[@TerrafuseInc]

Great questions! If it ever happens again, I will have ZERO hesitation to declare an emergency. I suppose they train you for situations like this, but never go in depth about when to declare an emergency. For any other pilots reading, when in doubt, just declare an emergency, it makes ATC’s job MUCH easier. As far as feathering, the engine was coming back to life, then dying off again. It was evident that we were getting partial power, so the decision was made to leave it and take whatever it was giving us. But again, if I did it over, feathering and shutdown is the better choice, and then just flying the approach knowing what I am working with 👍👍

[@liamdunfey]

How did you find bringing the turbo'd aztec back across? Would love to know how they're getting on. Ps I'm the guy who sprayed over the UK reg on this one haha

[@TerrafuseInc]

Hey man! It was an awesome trip, the turbo gave us no trouble at all, smooth sailing! Thanks for asking :)

[@liamdunfey]

@Terrafuse Inc. excellent mate, she's a good airplane the turbo, they both are tbh, have you repainted them yet?

[@rqstaffan]

Certainly not a stabilized approach, even on effectively one engine.

[@threecanal]

Great Job!