What airspeed should be maintained during engine failure after takeoff?

In the event of an engine failure after takeoff, maintaining the correct airspeed is critical for ensuring aircraft control and achieving the best performance potential. The recommended airspeed to be maintained during this critical phase of flight is 100 KIAS (Knots Indicated Airspeed) for the King Air 350.

This airspeed provides a suitable margin above the stall speed for single-engine performance, allowing the aircraft to maintain control while also enabling a positive climb if the operating engine is producing sufficient power. It's important to have this buffer above stalling speed, especially in a multi-engine aircraft like the King Air, where managing the asymmetrical thrust from the operative engine is key to maintaining directional control.

Additionally, flying at 100 KIAS helps ensure that the flaps can be retracted safely and at the correct time if not already done, maximizing performance without compromising the aircraft's stability. This airspeed is also aligned with the aircraft’s operating handbook recommendations for off-engine initial climb scenarios, making it a standardized operating procedure that pilots should be well familiar with during their training.