If an aircraft is at a typical cruise altitude of 36,000 (which is 6 miles up) and loses both engines, it can therefore travel a forward distance of 60 miles before reaching the ground. Therefore, if such an incident occurs within 60 miles of a runway, the aircraft could potentially be landed safely.

Yes, a plane can land safely without any engine power through a process known as gliding. Every fixed-wing aircraft has a "glide ratio," which is the distance it can travel forward for every foot of altitude it loses. For example, a modern commercial jetliner can typically glide about 10 to 15 miles for every 5,000 feet of altitude. Famous real-life examples include the "Gimli Glider" (a Boeing 767 that ran out of fuel) and the "Miracle on the Hudson" (an A320 that lost both engines to bird strikes). While pilots lose the ability to maintain or gain altitude, they still have full control of the flight surfaces (flaps, rudders, ailerons) using auxiliary power units (APU) or "Ram Air Turbines" (RAT). In 2026, pilot training involves rigorous simulator drills for "dual-engine flameouts," ensuring they can manage the aircraft’s "best glide speed" to reach the nearest suitable runway or flat terrain safely.