How do jet engines work in the rain?
February 1, 2026
Rain is a particularly interesting case. Despite operating under extreme heat and speeds, jet engines deal with precipitation remarkably well.
Here, we look at both the technology and safety measures that keep flights reliable, even in stormy conditions.
How jet engines handle rain
At the heart of a jet engine is a simple but powerful principle: air is drawn in, compressed, mixed with fuel, and ignited to generate thrust – a process known as the Brayton cycle.
This cycle relies on a smooth, continuous airflow. When raindrops enter the intake, the flow is disrupted slightly, but modern turbofan engines are designed to cope with these interruptions without affecting performance.
Large-diameter fan blades at the front of the engine create a high-speed airflow that disperses most water droplets before they reach sensitive components. Any water that does make it further into the engine is usually vaporised almost instantly due to the extreme temperatures in the combustion chamber, which can be more than 1,500°C.
Engines are also fitted with anti-icing and drainage systems. Heated leading edges prevent ice formation at altitude, while internal drainage channels allow excess water to escape, reducing the risk of pooling that could interfere with engine operation.
While these measures are highly effective, rare events such as flameouts – where the combustion process temporarily stops – are still possible. Heavy rain can increase this risk, particularly during take-off or landing when engines are operating at lower thrust levels and airflow through the engine is less energetic. Engine maintenance is of course essential here too.
Has an aircraft ever crashed due to rain in the engines?
Although extremely uncommon, even some of the most powerful commercial jet engines in the world aren’t infallible. Indeed, over the course of history there have been documented incidents where rain and hail have caused serious engine problems.
TACA Flight 110 in 1988, a Boeing 737 near New Orleans, lost thrust in both CFM56 engines after flying through a severe thunderstorm. The crew carried out a incredible unpowered landing on a levee, and all passengers survived.
Similarly, Southern Airways Flight 242 in 1977, a DC-9 flying through a violent Georgia thunderstorm, lost thrust in both engines due to hail and water ingestion. This forced an emergency landing on a highway and although many survived there were sadly some fatalities.
These incidents remain important case studies for engineers and regulators. They highlight the extreme conditions that engines have to tolerate and have informed improvements in engine design, water ingestion certification and operational procedures to further reduce the risk of weather-related failures.
Engine resilience and safety
Interestingly, light rain can sometimes have a beneficial cooling effect on engine components, absorbing heat and reducing thermal stress.
However, heavy rain, particularly when accompanied by hail, can erode fan blades and other critical surfaces. This is why aircraft operators often delay flights during severe storms, even though engines are designed to withstand a huge amount of precipitation.
For the majority of flights, rain has minimal effect on performance. Modern jet engines are built to endure high levels of water ingestion while maintaining stable combustion and reliable thrust.
Ultimately, while rain may seem dramatic and sometimes unsettling during flight, inside the engine, it is largely business as usual. Only in rare, extreme cases does precipitation challenge performance, with each unexpected event driving improvements in design, certification and operational safety.
Featured image: stock.adobe.com
