Which of the following is NOT listed as a cause of partial or complete power loss in aircraft?

• A. Engine roughness
• B. Carburetor icing
• C. Loss of oil pressure
• D. Engine overheating

Answer: (D)

Power loss in flight is usually traced to problems that directly affect the engine’s ability to produce power: issues with the fuel/air supply, the ignition system, or the lubrication that keeps the engine running smoothly. When you hear about engine roughness, carburetor icing, or loss of oil pressure, these are typical direct causes that can lead to partial or complete power loss because each points to a disruption in delivering the right fuel-air mixture, a reliable spark, or adequate lubrication.

Carburetor icing thins the fuel/air mixture and can stall or reduce engine power, while engine roughness indicates misfiring or a problém with one or more cylinders, both of which cut usable power. Loss of oil pressure signals a lubrication problem that can cause the engine to seize or lose power as internal components aren’t being properly lubricated.

Engine overheating, while dangerous and something to correct promptly, isn’t listed as a direct cause of power loss in the standard catalog of potential causes. It’s typically a symptom or consequence of other underlying issues (cooling system problems, persistent high power settings, or fuel/air balance issues) and can force the engine to reduce output to prevent damage, but it isn’t categorized as a standalone cause of loss of power in the same way as the others.