If your engine fails below 2,000 feet AGL and a runway is not immediately available, what should your first priority be?

The primary consideration during an engine failure below 2,000 feet AGL is to ensure the pilot's safety, particularly in cases where a runway is not immediately accessible. In a situation where the aircraft is low and the engine has failed, maintaining control and ensuring a safe exit may take precedence. Ejecting is a critical emergency procedure specifically applicable to certain types of aircraft, such as military fighter jets. It allows the pilot to escape a potentially catastrophic situation, especially if flying at low altitudes poses immediate danger.

The other options, while important components of emergency procedures, do not take into account the urgent need for the pilot to prioritize their safety. Finding a place to land may be the next logical step if ejection is not feasible, but the immediate priority when faced with severe danger at low altitude is often to safely exit the aircraft if possible. Contacting air traffic control or starting an emergency checklist can usually wait until the immediate threat has been addressed, focusing first on the pilot's safety.