What is the risk associated with pre-ignition?

Pre-ignition refers to the occurrence in an engine where the air-fuel mixture ignites before the spark plug fires. This premature ignition can lead to a variety of serious issues within the engine, including uncontrolled engine overheating. When pre-ignition occurs, the combustion process is not synchronized with the engine's intended timing, causing increased pressure and temperature inside the combustion chamber. This can result in the engine operating at dangerously high temperatures, potentially leading to engine damage, knocking, or catastrophic failure if left unaddressed.

Understanding the risks of pre-ignition is crucial for pilots and operators, because uncontrolled overheating can affect engine performance, reliability, and safety during flight operations.