aircraft systemsFAA-published question bank (Private Pilot, 2008)
Detonation occurs in a reciprocating aircraft engine when
A
the spark plugs are fouled or shorted out or the wiring is defective.
B
hot spots in the combustion chamber ignite the fuel/air mixture in advance of normal ignition.
C
the unburned charge in the cylinders explodes instead of burning normally.✓ Correct Answer
Explanation
PHAK defines detonation as an uncontrolled, explosive ignition of the fuel/air charge in the cylinder instead of normal, progressive burning. Ignition by a hot spot before the spark is preignition, and fouled plugs cause misfiring, not detonation.
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