Engine inoperative: Landing; reporting

When an engine fails or must be shut down on a Part 121 flight, the pilot in command must normally land at the nearest suitable airport where a safe landing can be made.

However, if the aircraft has three or more engines and only one fails, the pilot may continue to another airport of their choice—provided they reasonably determine it's as safe as landing at the nearest airport. This decision must consider the malfunction's nature, aircraft performance (altitude, weight, fuel), weather, traffic, terrain, and the pilot's familiarity with the destination.

The pilot must report any in-flight engine shutdown to the appropriate facility as soon as practicable and provide progress updates throughout the flight.

If the pilot chooses an airport other than the nearest suitable one, they must submit a written report to their director of operations explaining why this was equally safe. The director then forwards this report with comments to the FAA within 10 days of the pilot's return to base.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*