What is the recommended airspeed to maintain during a forced landing if an engine fire occurs?

The recommended airspeed to maintain during a forced landing, especially in the event of an engine fire, is crucial for ensuring the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Maintaining a higher speed, such as 100 KIAS in this scenario, provides several important benefits.

Firstly, a higher airspeed helps maintain better control of the aircraft during the descent. It reduces the risk of stalling, which can occur at lower speeds, particularly when the aircraft might already be heavily loaded or in a compromised flight situation due to an engine fire. This is vital for not only maintaining control but also ensuring the pilot can maneuver the aircraft safely to a suitable landing area.

Secondly, this speed allows for a more effective glide ratio. When flying at a recommended airspeed, pilots maximize their distance over ground while descending, helping to reach an emergency landing area more effectively. In situations involving fire, gaining distance quickly while still maintaining control is paramount, and the best speed aids in achieving this.

Moreover, at 100 KIAS, there is typically a better response time for the pilot to react to any sudden changes in the aircraft's behavior or to adjust for wind conditions, which can be critical when dealing with the loss of power and other emergency factors.

In summary, maintaining