There are videos of car crashes and even plane crashes, and while those make sense, or at least can sometimes be prevented, that isn’t quite what comes to mind when it’s about helicopters crashing.
In fact, you probably haven’t given helicopters much thought unless you see one in the news or flying overhead. But, if you’ve ever wondered what happens when the propeller stops spinning mid-air, you might be surprised by the answer.
About Helicopter Engine Break Downs
If you didn’t know any better, you might believe the general stereotype that helicopters fall right out of the sky when the engine stops. Without the wings to support a smoother landing, it’s easy to see why people would believe this, and there have been more than a few cartoons and shows that make it seem true. While it is a possibility, there is a lot more to the vehicle’s aerodynamics and physics than it just falling right out of the sky.
What Happens When The Engine Fails?
So what does the pilot do when engines fail? There are only a few critical moments between the passengers on board and death. In fact, pilots actually practice emergency landings by doing emergency engine shut-off drills. With the engines turned off or failing, pilots must use a technique called autorotation to land the helicopter safely.
Within the first few seconds of the engines failing, the pilot must adjust the helicopter’s position to avoid losing control altogether, which pretty much turns out like what you see in the movies.
How the Helicopter is Landed
Autorotation relies on airflow upwards through the helicopter’s rotor as it begins to descend. The helicopter blade is disengaged from the engine at this time, making it possible for it to spin freely regardless of the lack of power input from the engine.
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This process can be very scary but modern helicopters are designed to promote autorotation in case of emergency, and pilots are thoroughly trained for each specific helicopter.
Conclusion
So, while helicopters could fall from the sky in case of an engine failure, a trained pilot can safely land the helicopter. Besides engines failing, if the tail rotor fails this could also make an autorotation landing necessary. Whatever the cause, all hope is not lost when the engines cut out.
