Which alarm indicates a critical failure within the engine system?

• A. FUEL LOW
• B. FIRE DET
• C. ENG FAILURE
• D. OIL PRESS

Answer: (B)

The indication of a critical failure within the engine system is best represented by the FIRE DET alarm. This alarm specifically alerts the pilot to the presence of a fire or the potential for fire in the engine compartment, which can lead to catastrophic failure if not addressed immediately. The urgency to respond to a fire alarm typically makes it a priority over other warnings, highlighting a critical failure that could result in loss of control of the aircraft or serious damage to the engine.

In contrast, while alarms like FUEL LOW and OIL PRESS do indicate important conditions that need attention, they do not necessarily denote a critical failure in the same immediate sense as a fire. The ENG FAILURE alarm is also crucial but typically indicates that the engine is no longer functioning properly rather than a critical situation like a fire. The FIRE DET alarm’s role in signaling a dire emergency is what distinguishes it in this scenario.