Turbine Engine Malfunctions

troopernflight

Well-Known Member
I thought this was a pretty interesting web page about dealing with turbine engine malfunctions. Not having any turbine experience, I learned quite a bit from it.

http://www.skybrary.aero/bookshelf/books/193.pdf

It was interesting that an engine stall produces such a startling bang which has caused some pilots to reject after V1, thinking the plane wasn't airworthy. Surprisingly, they said that a turbine stall is one of the more minimal issues as compared to other problems that could occur.
 
I took an intersting class through ERAU on propulsion plant investigation. One nasty malfunction can be a turbine disk failure, causing all sorts of major carnage. A lot of good information.
 
One nasty malfunction can be a turbine disk failure, causing all sorts of major carnage.

In my jet, we have had several instances of the low pressure turbine (final stage) basically shiesting itself and getting spit out the tailpipe. Doesn't really do much damage to the engine all things considered, but certainly made quite a racket in doing so (complete with heavy vibrations and questionable engine indications). Hasn't led to the loss of an aircraft that I know of, but I'm sure would be seriously unnerving to experience. I haven't had a compressor stall yet, but I understand that it is quite startling the first time you experience it.
 
what seems like a few years ago, there was a report that came out from the JS41 crash where the crew failed to recognize the problem with the engine and stalled the airplane. The report, PSM-ICR (Propulsion System Malfunction-Incorrect Crew Response), noted that sim events are often NOT very accurate in replicating the sounds and feel of an engine failure. Likewise the shaking and rattling for a blown tire.

A good friend had an engine gut itself and he said it was, for a few moments, like being in the paint can shaker at Home Depot... nothing like the sim. His point was FLY THE AIRPLANE regardless of what it feels like.

A good hard compressor stall will get your attention and the old North American F-100 Super Sabre was noted for its compressor stalls. A throttle slam was good causing one and the compressor stall was violent enough to kick your feet off the rudders and belch flames out the intake and the nozzle... a real attention getter.
 
Neat write-up. It's a good read for anyone learning turbine stuff.

In reference to emergencies and abnormalities, I've basically had to program myself to concentrate even harder on flying when I detect an issue. Some scenarios involve having to concentrate on keeping the airplane in a safe attitude. If you look away at the wrong moment, you'll end up having to going into an unusual attitude recovery sequence, which is the last thing you want to be doing.
 
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