What should the throttle be set to in the event of an engine failure during the takeoff roll?

In the event of an engine failure during the takeoff roll, the throttle should be set to idle. This is because if an engine failure occurs before the aircraft achieves takeoff speed, maintaining full throttle could lead to a loss of control as the aircraft may continue to accelerate without the thrust being effectively produced by the engine. Reducing the throttle to idle allows the pilot to manage the aircraft's deceleration safely and begin the process of stopping on the runway, maintaining directional control by using brakes and ailerons as needed.

It's critical during this phase to prioritize safety by bringing the aircraft to a stop rather than attempting to continue the takeoff with insufficient engine power, which could result in a more dangerous situation. This decision reflects standard operating procedures in aviation safety training and highlights the importance of understanding aircraft performance in various emergency scenarios.