The idea of an engine fire in flight is one of the most terrifying images a nervous flyer can picture. But here’s the reality: this exact scenario has been prepared for, engineered against, and trained obsessively. Every commercial aircraft is built with layers of systems to detect, contain, and extinguish engine fires automatically. Every commercial pilot is drilled repeatedly to respond with calm, trained precision. And the statistics overwhelmingly confirm this: even when an engine fire does occur, passengers remain safe. This article explains the step-by-step of what happens when a fire is detected in a jet engine — and why you’re far more protected than you think.
Why Jet Engine Fires Are So Uncommon
Jet engines on commercial aircraft are some of the most robust machines ever designed. Each one is stress-tested far beyond normal flying conditions before it’s ever approved for use. The internal systems—fuel pumps, oil lines, valves, and turbines—are continuously monitored. The materials used in critical areas are heat-resistant. Containment rings, temperature regulation systems, and automated shutdown functions are all part of the standard design.
Once in service, every engine is inspected regularly. Airlines follow strict maintenance intervals, and engineers visually and electronically monitor engine health throughout its life. It’s not uncommon for engines to log tens of thousands of hours without a single incident.
But in aviation, even a one-in-a-million scenario is rehearsed relentlessly. And that’s where pilot training and system design intersect.
How Engine Fires Are Detected
Aircraft don’t wait for a pilot to “spot” flames. The moment something abnormal occurs in an engine—whether it’s a fuel leak igniting or a compressor issue—internal sensors detect heat spikes instantly. These sensors are embedded inside the nacelle (engine casing) and positioned around key components.
When the system identifies a temperature threshold associated with fire, a warning is triggered in the cockpit. This isn’t subtle. A red warning light flashes on the engine panel, paired with a distinct audible alarm. In many aircraft, it will also display the specific engine affected and instruct the crew to perform the relevant checklist.
The key point: the detection is automatic. The response, though fast, is never improvised.
Pilot Response: The “Memory Items”
Pilots are trained to carry out a specific sequence of actions by memory — called “memory items.” These are essential steps that must be performed instantly before any checklist is referenced. The focus is containment, shutdown, and system isolation. Here’s what happens:
The pilots keep the autopilot engaged. This allows the aircraft to remain stable while they focus on the emergency. They bring the affected engine’s thrust lever to idle. This reduces fuel flow and power output. Then, they shut off the engine’s fuel supply using a specific switch or lever.
Next, they pull the engine fire handle. This is a dedicated mechanism that simultaneously closes the engine’s fuel, hydraulic, and bleed air valves — and arms the fire extinguishing system.
The first extinguisher is discharged. It contains a halon-based chemical designed to suppress fire rapidly by displacing oxygen and cooling the fire source.
At this stage, the engine is isolated — sealed off, starved of fuel, and actively being extinguished.
What Happens If the Fire Persists?
The engine’s fire detection system continues to monitor internal temperature. If the warning doesn’t clear within about 30 seconds, the pilots discharge the second fire bottle. Most commercial aircraft have at least two bottles per engine.
If the fire warning still remains, it does not mean the aircraft is at risk of uncontrollable fire. It simply means further action is required — and that usually means a diversion.
The aircraft can continue flying safely on one engine. But the flight crew will now coordinate with Air Traffic Control for an expedited landing at the nearest suitable airport.
Flying With One Engine
All commercial twin-engine jets are certified to fly safely with one engine inoperative. This isn’t just a possibility — it’s part of the design. The aircraft can climb, cruise, and land normally with only one functioning engine.
What changes is the priority. With one engine shut down, the pilots will declare either a PAN PAN (urgency) or MAYDAY (emergency) call. This allows airspace to be cleared, emergency services to be notified, and landing preparations to begin.
The aircraft may descend slightly to reduce strain, and the pilots will consider weather, fuel, terrain, and airport capability before selecting their diversion point. Typically, they’ll land within 15 to 30 minutes of the fire detection — often faster.
Passenger and Cabin Crew Experience
Most passengers will not immediately realise a fire has been detected. The aircraft doesn’t swerve, dip, or jolt. If the affected engine is shut down, there may be a mild change in sound or a subtle vibration. Cabin lighting may briefly adjust as electrical loads shift.
Flight attendants are trained to remain composed and continue service unless otherwise instructed. If a diversion is required, the captain will make an announcement only once the situation is stable.
If evacuation is ever necessary on the ground, the entire aircraft can be cleared in under 90 seconds using all exits and slides — as tested in certification trials.
Real Incidents, Real Control
Engine fires have occurred — and they’ve been handled successfully. In 2015, British Airways Flight 2276 experienced a dramatic uncontained engine fire on the takeoff roll in Las Vegas. The pilots aborted takeoff, shut down the engine, and ordered an evacuation. Everyone survived.
In 2016, American Airlines Flight 383 had an engine fire during takeoff in Chicago. The fire was visible from the cabin, but the trained response was immediate and precise. The aircraft stopped safely and passengers exited without fatalities.
In each case, the checklist worked. The system did its job. And the design of the aircraft protected those on board.
Why Engine Fires Don’t Spread
Jet engines are designed with containment and isolation in mind. The nacelle acts as a self-contained pod. Firewalls separate the engine from the wing. Materials used in construction—such as titanium, Inconel, and heat-resistant composites—help prevent spread.
The fire extinguishing system is plumbed directly into the nacelle, targeting the precise compartment where combustion may occur. And because critical systems like hydraulics, fuel, and electricity are cut off automatically, the fire has no access to sustain itself.
Even in worst-case scenarios where internal components are damaged, redundant systems maintain control. Backup power from the Ram Air Turbine (RAT) can be deployed to provide electricity and hydraulics to key systems if both engines are lost.
What If Both Engines Are Lost?
It’s an almost unimaginably rare scenario. But even then, commercial aircraft can glide. The Airbus A320 in the Hudson River ditching (2009) glided after bird strikes took out both engines. The aircraft was still flyable. The pilots retained full control. The plane landed safely.
Modern jets can glide for tens of miles. At cruising altitude, that glide range may exceed 100 kilometres. Pilots are trained for this too — and simulator drills routinely simulate total engine failure to keep crews sharp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can an engine explosion tear off the wing?
No. Engines are mounted in a way that directs force away from the wing. In very rare uncontained failures, the casing is designed to contain internal debris. Damage is localised and typically non-catastrophic.
Q: Will passengers see flames?
Usually not. Most fires are internal and quickly extinguished. If visible, they’re often very brief. Pilots respond to system alerts — not visual confirmation.
Q: Why doesn’t the plane just return to the departure airport?
It depends on the location, altitude, and proximity to other airports. Often, the nearest suitable airport is chosen to reduce flight time and ensure a swift landing.
Q: Is a one-engine landing dangerous?
No. It’s routine procedure. Pilots train for this and aircraft are built for it. Landing with one engine is handled with precision and full control.
Final Perspective
An engine fire may sound dramatic — but in reality, it’s one of the most rehearsed and controlled scenarios in commercial aviation. Detection systems respond instantly. Pilots follow proven checklists. The engine is shut down, sealed, and extinguished. The aircraft flies on. ATC clears the route. The landing is prioritised. The emergency ends before passengers even realise it began.
It’s not just survivable. It’s a scenario the entire system is built to overcome.
From the cockpit to the cabin to the engineers on the ground, your flight is protected by layers of thought, planning, and expertise — all designed for this exact moment.
You are not helpless. You are supported by machines and people trained for even the rarest events — and ready to turn fear into calm action.
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