What impact does poor fuel quality have on a turbine engine?

Poor fuel quality significantly affects the performance of a turbine engine primarily through its impact on combustion efficiency. When fuel quality is compromised, it typically contains impurities, incorrect specifications, or undesirable properties that can disrupt the combustion process. As a result, the engine may struggle to achieve optimal combustion conditions, leading to incomplete burning of the fuel.

This inefficiency can cause a range of negative effects, including increased emissions, loss of power, and ultimately, engine failure due to overheating, carbon buildup, or other related issues. Such adverse conditions can lead to operational unpredictability and increased wear on engine components, which can potentially result in costly repairs or even catastrophic failure if not addressed.

In contrast to the other choices, which underestimate fuel quality's importance or suggest it has no significant impact on the engine's performance, the correct answer underscores the critical nature of maintaining high fuel standards for safe and efficient turbine engine operation.