What action should be taken if preignition is suspected?

When preignition is suspected, the appropriate actions to take include reducing power and reducing the climb rate. Preignition refers to the ignition of the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder before the spark plug fires, which can lead to engine knock, overheating, and potential engine damage.

By reducing power, the pilot decreases engine temperature and pressure in the cylinders, which can mitigate the conditions that lead to preignition. Lowering the power setting allows the engine to operate without excessive heat and pressure that might exacerbate the problem. Additionally, reducing the climb rate can also help manage engine performance and avoid further increases in temperature associated with high power settings and prolonged climbs.

These actions focus on maintaining a safe engine operation until the situation can be fully evaluated and, if necessary, corrected.