What should a pilot avoid doing in the event of an engine failure immediately on takeoff?

In the event of an engine failure immediately after takeoff, the most crucial action for a pilot is to maintain control of the aircraft and prioritize safety. Turning back to the airport is considered hazardous in this situation because, during the early stages of flight, the aircraft is still low to the ground and has limited altitude and airspeed. Attempting a turn compromises the aircraft's performance and could lead to a stall, particularly if not enough altitude has been gained.

Flying straight ahead allows the pilot to maintain a solid flying speed and gives a better chance to control the aircraft and assess the situation without increasing the risk of an accident. This option is generally recommended because it maximizes the available options for a safe landing area ahead and minimizes the potential for losing control during a turn.

While restarting the engine and descending at a controlled rate may seem reasonable options, they are secondary to maintaining a controlled flight path straight ahead immediately after takeoff. The primary focus should be on safely managing the aircraft's speed and direction to minimize risks.