136. Engine Failure in the Pattern

I Learned About Flying From That

When an explosive engine failure at 900 feet AGL completely covers the windscreen in oil and cuts all electrical power, routine checkride prep suddenly becomes a low-altitude emergency. Flight instructor Mike Pavlik and student pilot Nicolas Kirchner join host Carl Valeri to recount their harrowing Piper PA-28 flight out of Lakeland, Florida. They break down the split-second decisions required to manage a violent mechanical failure, lost communications, cockpit smoke, and pattern traffic—delivering vital lessons on airmanship, resource management, and keeping your cool when everything goes wrong without warning.

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When an explosive engine failure at 900 feet AGL completely covers the windscreen in oil and cuts all electrical power, routine checkride prep suddenly becomes a low-altitude emergency. Flight instructor Mike Pavlik and student pilot Nicolas Kirchner join host Carl Valeri to recount their harrowing Piper PA-28 flight out of Lakeland, Florida. They break down the split-second decisions required to manage a violent mechanical failure, lost communications, cockpit smoke, and pattern traffic—delivering vital lessons on airmanship, resource management, and keeping your cool when everything goes wrong without warning.

2026-09-17 29 min
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