The Impossible Turn
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FAA Safety Team (AFS–920) | 2017
This publication analyzes the risks of attempting a 180-degree turn back to the departure runway—commonly referred to as "The Impossible Turn"—following engine failure after takeoff. It illustrates aerodynamic penalties, reaction time constraints, turn radius calculations, and descent profiles that make turnbacks impractical at low altitude. The document emphasizes disciplined preflight checks and training to ensure survivable forward landings over hazardous reversals.
Citation (APA 7)
Federal Aviation Administration. (2017). The impossible turn (FAA-P-8740-44). U.S. Department of Transportation, FAA Safety Team. https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/library/documents/2018/Nov/164492/P-8740-44.pdf
