AOPA’S AIR SAFETY INSTITUTE RELEASES NEW 180-DEGREE TURNBACK REALITY CHECK VIDEO

The debate about the 180-degree “turnback” to the departure runway after engine failure on takeoff—known as the impossible turn—reemerged after the March crash of a Beechcraft Bonanza A36 in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

In Reality Check: The Runway Behind You, the AOPA Air Safety Institute tested the disputed maneuver using a Piper PA-18 Super Cub, a Van’s RV-4, a Cessna 172N, and a Beechcraft Bonanza A36.

“Our study was conducted by highly experienced and proficient pilots flying predetermined profiles in near-perfect conditions. We documented our findings, and the different results of turning back to the runway were surprising for each of us performing these flights,” said ASI SVP Richard McSpadden.

View Reality Check: The Runway Behind You.