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Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 620 of 934

One magneto fails in flight in an engine with dual ignition. What happens?

  1. The engine stops within a few seconds
  2. The engine runs on with a slight power loss
  3. The other magneto also fails after a short time
  4. The engine runs rough and loses most of its power
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Correct answer: The engine runs on with a slight power loss

Each magneto fires its own spark plug in each cylinder. The other magneto is unaffected.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems — Ignition System, page 175

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026