What might indicate a catastrophic engine failure during flight?

A catastrophic engine failure during flight can manifest through various indicators, one of which is the N1 RPM dropping to zero or the displays going blank. This situation generally means that the engine is no longer producing thrust, which is critical for maintaining flight. A zero N1 RPM indicates that the engine has stopped functioning entirely, which is indicative of a complete failure. Likewise, if all displays are blank, it suggests a significant electrical or systems failure, which can accompany or result from an engine failure.

The correct response focuses on these technical indicators rather than less definitive signs. For instance, while a sudden drop in altitude can hint at an engine issue, it could also be caused by several other factors such as changes in airspeed or pitch, making it less specific. Unexpected engine noise can indicate a malfunction but does not directly confirm the severity of a catastrophic failure. Similarly, a sharp increase in fuel consumption typically suggests inefficiencies or problems but may not definitively indicate engine failure, as it could simply reflect increased demand for power without complete engine stoppage. Thus, the combination of both engine RPM dropping to zero and display malfunctions is a more clear-cut indication of catastrophic failure.