What happens when the pilot operates below V(MC)?

Operating below V(MC), or minimum control speed, is critical for safe aircraft operation, particularly in multi-engine airplanes. At this speed, the airplane may not have enough control authority, meaning it may not be able to maintain controlled flight. This is especially significant during a situation where an engine fails; if the aircraft is below this speed, it may not be able to effectively coordinate its flight control inputs to overcome the yaw and roll tendencies caused by the asymmetrical thrust.

When a pilot operates below V(MC), any loss of engine power can lead to uncontrollable flight characteristics, increasing the risk of an unintended descent or even loss of control. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining airspeeds above V(MC) to ensure the pilot retains full control of the aircraft under normal and emergency conditions.