# Piper PA-44-180 Seminole — Emergency Procedures

> **NOT FOR FLIGHT** — source fidelity: not_applicable | operational review: none | completeness: partial | 1 unresolved safety defect(s)

Emergency procedures for the Piper PA-44-180 Seminole twin-engine trainer. Covers engine failure, engine fire, electrical emergencies, oil pressure loss, gear malfunctions, and single-engine operations. Memory items are marked and must be completed before consulting this checklist. The Seminole has counter-rotating propellers with no critical engine; single-engine performance is identical regardless of which engine fails. Each engine is fed by its own independent fuel system; the Seminole does not have crossfeed capability in standard configuration — consult the specific aircraft POH. All airspeeds (including Vyse/blue line and Vsse) must come from the POH. This document does not substitute for multi-engine training with a qualified instructor.

> **safety_defect**: Contains no airspeeds, power settings, fuel quantities, or other numerical limitations — all must come from the specific aircraft POH. Vyse (blue line) is the single most critical speed in engine-out operations and must be known before flight.
> **content_gap**: Equipment variations exist across PA-44-180 airframes. Verify items against the specific aircraft before use. Some aircraft may have crossfeed capability not reflected here.

## Engine Failure on Takeoff — Before or at Rotation (EMERGENCY)

*Engine failure during the takeoff roll or at the moment of rotation*

> **WARNING:** An engine failure before reaching Vmc or Vyse with gear in transit is almost certainly not survivable as a continued takeoff. Abort unless airborne with positive control and altitude.
- [ ] Throttles — both engines, close immediately `MEMORY` — **CLOSED**
- [ ] Brakes — apply firmly and progressively to stop on remaining runway `MEMORY` — **MAXIMUM BRAKING AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] Mixture controls — both engines, idle cutoff `MEMORY` — **IDLE CUTOFF**
- [ ] Fuel selectors — both engines, off `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Ignition switches — both engines, off `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Master switch `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Evacuate aircraft if fire or other hazard present — **AS REQUIRED**

## Engine Failure — After Liftoff (Airborne) (EMERGENCY)

*Engine failure after becoming airborne; aircraft below safe single-engine maneuvering altitude*

> **WARNING:** Below Vyse and below a safe altitude, attempting to maintain flight on one engine may be impossible. A straight-ahead landing on available terrain may be the only survivable option. Do not attempt to turn back to the field below a safe altitude.
- [ ] Airspeed — establish and maintain Vyse (blue line) or best available `MEMORY` — **VYSE PER POH**
- [ ] Operating engine — advance throttle to full power `MEMORY` — **FULL POWER ON OPERATING ENGINE**
- [ ] Dead engine — identify by direction of yaw and failed gauges (dead foot — dead engine) `MEMORY` — **IDENTIFIED**
- [ ] Dead engine propeller — feather by advancing prop control to full forward then pulling to feather `MEMORY` — **FEATHERED**
- [ ] Landing gear — retract to reduce drag `MEMORY` — **GEAR UP**
- [ ] Flaps — retract if extended `MEMORY` — **RETRACTED PER POH**
- [ ] Bank — 5 degrees toward the operating engine; maintain with rudder — **5 DEGREES INTO GOOD ENGINE**
- [ ] Continue with Engine Failure in Flight checklist to secure failed engine — **PROCEED TO ENGINE FAILURE IN FLIGHT**

## Engine Failure in Flight — Identify / Verify / Feather / Secure (EMERGENCY)

*One engine loses power or stops during cruise or other in-flight phases*

> **NOTE:** The four-step memory sequence is: IDENTIFY — VERIFY — FEATHER — SECURE. Complete all four steps before consulting the written checklist.
- [ ] IDENTIFY — dead foot, dead engine: the foot with less or no rudder pressure is on the same side as the failed engine `MEMORY` — **FAILED ENGINE IDENTIFIED**
- [ ] VERIFY — advance throttle on the identified dead engine; confirm no power response and gauges confirm failure `MEMORY` — **NO POWER; FAILURE CONFIRMED**
- [ ] FEATHER — move propeller control of the failed engine to feather `MEMORY` — **FEATHERED; PROP STOPPED OR SLOWING**
- [ ] Airspeed — establish and maintain Vyse (blue line) or best climb/glide speed per POH `MEMORY` — **VYSE MAINTAINED PER POH**
- [ ] Bank — 5 degrees toward the operating engine to minimize rudder workload — **5 DEGREES INTO GOOD ENGINE**
- [ ] Operating engine — confirm full power set — **FULL POWER**
**SECURE the failed engine:**
- [ ] SECURE — throttle on failed engine `MEMORY` — **CLOSED**
- [ ] SECURE — mixture on failed engine `MEMORY` — **IDLE CUTOFF**
- [ ] SECURE — fuel selector on failed engine `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] SECURE — magnetos on failed engine `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Alternator on failed engine — **OFF**
- [ ] Cowl flap on failed engine — as required per POH — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] Declare emergency if appropriate — advise ATC of single-engine condition — **SQUAWK 7700; DECLARE EMERGENCY AS APPROPRIATE**
- [ ] Divert — plan landing at nearest suitable airport; do not delay — **NEAREST AIRPORT SELECTED; DIVERTING**

## Engine Fire in Flight (EMERGENCY)

*Fire warning light, flames, smoke, or unusual odor indicating an engine fire while airborne*

- [ ] Throttle — affected engine, close immediately `MEMORY` — **CLOSED**
- [ ] Fuel selector — affected engine, OFF `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Mixture — affected engine, IDLE CUTOFF `MEMORY` — **IDLE CUTOFF**
- [ ] Propeller — affected engine, FEATHER `MEMORY` — **FEATHERED**
- [ ] Magnetos — affected engine, OFF — **OFF**
- [ ] Alternator — affected engine, OFF — **OFF**
- [ ] Airspeed — increase if possible to help extinguish fire by airflow; do not exceed Vne — **INCREASED; WITHIN LIMITS**
- [ ] Fire extinguisher — use if fire enters cabin — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] If fire extinguished — execute single-engine approach; do not restart the engine — **LAND AT NEAREST AIRPORT**
- [ ] If fire not extinguished — execute emergency descent; prepare for forced landing — **EMERGENCY DESCENT; LAND IMMEDIATELY**
- [ ] Declare emergency — ATC notified — **MAYDAY DECLARED; ATC NOTIFIED**

## Engine Fire on Ground (EMERGENCY)

*Fire in engine compartment during start or while taxiing*

- [ ] Throttle — affected engine, open briefly to draw fire back into intake, then close `MEMORY` — **OPENED BRIEFLY THEN CLOSED**
- [ ] Mixture — affected engine, IDLE CUTOFF `MEMORY` — **IDLE CUTOFF**
- [ ] Fuel selector — affected engine, OFF `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Ignition — affected engine, OFF `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Master switch `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Evacuate aircraft immediately; move upwind — **EVACUATED**
- [ ] Fire extinguisher — use if trained; do not approach a fully involved engine fire — **AS ABLE AND SAFE**
- [ ] Emergency services — notify airport fire department — **NOTIFIED**

## Electrical Fire / Smoke in Cockpit (EMERGENCY)

*Burning smell, smoke, or visible arcing from electrical equipment*

- [ ] Master switch `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Avionics master `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] All electrical switches and circuit breakers `MEMORY` — **OFF**
- [ ] Vents — open to clear smoke from cockpit; consider passenger oxygen if smoke is heavy — **OPEN AS APPROPRIATE**
- [ ] Fire extinguisher — discharge if fire is visible — **AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] If smoke clears — systematically restore essential electrical items one at a time to isolate the faulty circuit — **RESTORE SELECTIVELY**
- [ ] Land at nearest suitable airport — **DIVERTING**
- [ ] Declare emergency and notify ATC — **MAYDAY DECLARED; ATC NOTIFIED**

## Loss of Oil Pressure — One Engine (EMERGENCY)

*Oil pressure gauge on one engine reads in the yellow or red arc, or oil pressure warning light illuminates*

> **CAUTION:** Low oil pressure may precede engine failure by a short time. Begin planning for single-engine operations immediately. Do not wait for the engine to fail.
- [ ] Identify affected engine — note which oil pressure gauge is reading low `MEMORY` — **IDENTIFIED**
- [ ] Oil temperature — check; rising temperature confirms oil loss or internal failure — **MONITORED**
- [ ] Power on affected engine — reduce to minimum required to maintain flight; do not shut down prematurely unless failure is imminent — **REDUCED PER POH**
- [ ] Airspeed — prepare to establish Vyse if engine fails — **READY TO ESTABLISH VYSE**
- [ ] Nearest suitable airport — identify and divert; do not continue to planned destination — **DIVERTING IMMEDIATELY**
- [ ] If engine seizes or fails — execute engine failure in flight procedures — **EXECUTE ENGINE FAILURE CHECKLIST**
- [ ] Declare emergency and notify ATC — **MAYDAY OR PAN-PAN DECLARED; ATC NOTIFIED**

## Carburetor Ice — One or Both Engines (ABNORMAL)

*Unexplained loss of RPM or rough running, especially in humid conditions or when reducing power*

> **NOTE:** The O-360 is a carbureted engine. Carburetor ice can form at temperatures well above freezing in humid conditions. Partial ice may cause rough running before total power loss.
- [ ] Affected engine — apply full carburetor heat immediately; do not cycle on and off — **FULL HEAT APPLIED**
- [ ] Carburetor heat — expect a momentary further RPM drop as ice melts, followed by smooth power restoration — **RPM DROP THEN RECOVERY EXPECTED**
- [ ] If power does not restore — maintain carb heat and prepare for engine failure procedures — **ENGINE FAILURE CHECKLIST AS REQUIRED**
- [ ] Altitude and terrain — assess options for forced landing if both engines affected — **TERRAIN ASSESSED; OPTIONS IDENTIFIED**
- [ ] After power restored — maintain carburetor heat until clear of icing conditions per POH — **HEAT MAINTAINED PER POH**
- [ ] Monitor both engines for recurrence of roughness — **BOTH ENGINES MONITORED**

## Forced Landing — Power-Off (EMERGENCY)

*Both engines have failed or remaining power is insufficient to reach an airport*

> **WARNING:** A dual-engine failure is extremely rare. Confirm both engines are truly failed before accepting a forced landing. Check fuel selectors, mixture, and magnetos.
- [ ] Best glide speed — establish immediately per POH `MEMORY` — **BEST GLIDE ESTABLISHED**
- [ ] Landing area — select best available field or road; favor into-wind and uphill if possible `MEMORY` — **FIELD SELECTED**
- [ ] Fuel selectors — confirm both on correct tanks; attempt restart if cause is fuel starvation — **CONFIRMED; RESTART ATTEMPTED IF APPROPRIATE**
- [ ] Mixture — RICH for restart attempt — **RICH**
- [ ] Ignition — BOTH; attempt restart if time and altitude permit — **RESTART ATTEMPTED AS APPROPRIATE**
- [ ] Mayday — declare on 121.5 MHz; advise position, altitude, intentions — **MAYDAY DECLARED; ATC NOTIFIED**
- [ ] Transponder — 7700 — **SET 7700**
- [ ] Fuel selectors — OFF before landing to reduce fire risk — **OFF**
- [ ] Mixture — IDLE CUTOFF — **IDLE CUTOFF**
- [ ] Ignition switches — OFF just before touchdown — **OFF**
- [ ] Master switch — OFF just before touchdown — **OFF**
- [ ] Doors — unlatch before touchdown to prevent jamming — **UNLATCHED**
- [ ] Seat belts and shoulder harnesses — confirm tight — **CONFIRMED TIGHT**

## Gear Unsafe / Abnormal Gear Indication (EMERGENCY)

*One or more gear position lights fail to show green after gear extension, or red unsafe light illuminates*

- [ ] Airspeed — reduce to below gear operating speed per POH — **BELOW VLO PER POH**
- [ ] Gear handle — cycle UP then DOWN; allow adequate time for system to respond — **CYCLED; WAITING FOR INDICATION**
- [ ] Circuit breakers — check gear-related breakers; reset if popped — **CHECKED; RESET IF TRIPPED**
- [ ] Gear position lights — check bulbs by pressing the test button if equipped — **TESTED**
- [ ] If no green after normal extension — refer to emergency gear extension procedure — **PROCEED TO EMERGENCY GEAR EXTENSION**
- [ ] Declare emergency and notify ATC; request emergency equipment standby — **EMERGENCY DECLARED; EQUIPMENT REQUESTED**

## Emergency Gear Extension (EMERGENCY)

*Normal gear extension fails; gear not locked down; use manual/emergency extension system*

- [ ] Airspeed — reduce to minimum safe airspeed per POH; below emergency extension speed — **REDUCED PER POH**
- [ ] Gear handle — ensure in DOWN position — **DOWN**
- [ ] Emergency gear extension — locate and activate the manual extension pump or override per POH specific to this aircraft — **ACTIVATED PER POH**
- [ ] Pump or pull override — operate per POH until three green lights illuminate — **THREE GREEN CONFIRMED OR BEST INDICATION OBTAINED**
- [ ] If gear still not confirmed down and locked — prepare for gear-up landing; follow forced-landing precautions — **GEAR-UP LANDING PREPARED IF REQUIRED**
- [ ] Notify ATC of gear status; request foam or emergency equipment as applicable — **ATC NOTIFIED; EQUIPMENT REQUESTED**

## Single-Engine Approach and Landing (EMERGENCY)

*One engine inoperative; planning and executing approach and landing*

> **WARNING:** A go-around on one engine at low altitude and slow airspeed is extremely hazardous. Commit to landing once established on final. Plan ahead so go-around is not required.
- [ ] Operating engine — confirm full power available; do not reduce power on approach prematurely — **FULL POWER AVAILABLE; CONFIRMED**
- [ ] Airspeed — maintain at or above Vyse until landing assured; use POH single-engine approach speed on final — **AT OR ABOVE POH APPROACH SPEED**
- [ ] Flaps — extend incrementally; be cautious with full flaps due to increased drag on one engine — **EXTENDED INCREMENTALLY PER POH**
- [ ] Gear — extend with adequate altitude and airspeed to assure landing; expect higher drag — **GEAR DOWN; THREE GREEN**
- [ ] Runway — aim for a long runway if available; do not aim for the threshold; aim slightly beyond — **LONG RUNWAY SELECTED; ADJUSTED AIM POINT**
- [ ] Final approach — keep it flat and stable; avoid a steep descent that requires large power changes — **FLAT STABLE APPROACH**
- [ ] GUMPS check — Gas, Undercarriage, Mixture, Props, Seat belts/Switches — **ALL CONFIRMED**
- [ ] Operating engine throttle — reduce to idle only over the runway threshold when landing is assured — **IDLE OVER THRESHOLD**
- [ ] Touchdown — land positively; do not float; use available braking — **FIRM TOUCHDOWN; BRAKES AS REQUIRED**

## Engine-Out Go-Around (EMERGENCY)

*Go-around required with one engine inoperative — extremely hazardous; avoid if possible*

> **WARNING:** A single-engine go-around from a low, slow final is one of the most demanding maneuvers in multi-engine flying. Do not initiate unless a safe landing is truly impossible and altitude permits. The risk of losing control is very high near the ground at low speed.
- [ ] Operating engine — full power immediately and smoothly `MEMORY` — **FULL POWER ON OPERATING ENGINE**
- [ ] Pitch attitude — establish climb attitude per POH; avoid extreme pitch `MEMORY` — **CLIMB ATTITUDE**
- [ ] Airspeed — accelerate to Vyse immediately; never allow speed to fall below Vmc `MEMORY` — **ACCELERATING TO VYSE; ABOVE VMC**
- [ ] Flaps — retract incrementally per POH as airspeed builds — **INCREMENTAL RETRACTION PER POH**
- [ ] Gear — retract after positive rate of climb is confirmed — **GEAR UP; POSITIVE RATE CONFIRMED**
- [ ] Directional control — maintain bank 5 degrees into operating engine; use rudder trim if available — **CONTROLLED; BANK INTO GOOD ENGINE**
- [ ] ATC — notify of go-around and single-engine status — **ATC NOTIFIED**
- [ ] Plan next approach — configure for a wider, higher pattern to allow time and altitude — **LONGER APPROACH PLANNED**

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NOT FOR FLIGHT — source fidelity: not_applicable | operational review: none | completeness: partial | 1 unresolved safety defect(s)  
Source: authored — no source document  
Rights: original_expression CC-BY-4.0  
Checklist hash: f7ea1f6a696ccc92d19f6f140e996e2e40a0e12279926a2fc0bafd6fae2a3076  
Verify against the aircraft's own approved documentation before use.