In the event of an emergency engine shutdown on the ground, which action should be taken first?

• A. Pull the firewall shutoff handle
• B. Turn off the PCL
• C. Check for fire
• D. Notify ground control

Answer: (B)

In the scenario of an emergency engine shutdown on the ground, the primary action should be to turn off the Power Control Lever (PCL). This is crucial because the PCL is responsible for controlling fuel flow to the engine. By turning off the PCL, the pilot can prevent any additional fuel from reaching the engine, reducing the risk of fire or explosion. This action is fundamental to ensuring safety during an emergency situation.

Following the shutdown of the PCL, additional actions can be taken, such as pulling the firewall shutoff handle to further isolate the engine, checking for fire to assess the situation, or notifying ground control to ensure they are aware of the emergency and can assist. However, the immediate priority is to control the fuel flow to mitigate potential hazards.