It's been my experience that beginner pilots have a huge fear of deadsticks, but if they are taught to deal with them properly they find that they are indeed no big deal. The biggest mistake I see made (beginners and pros alike) is trying to make the runway. Many times a pilot will be so dead set on making the runway on a deadstick that they will end up stalling the plane and dumping hard, usually causing damage to the plane. When the engine quits just concentrate on getting the plane on the ground. If you can make it to grass short enough to land on great, if not tall grass makes for a great cushion to land in. Just stay away from the trees and you'll do fine. But if you can't make it back to the runway just get your plane down in one piece, it's a lot easier carrying back an intact plane than it is one in a hefty sack!!

It's funny, but most people do better with deadstick landings than powered ones. I think it's the situation, you know you can't go around so you have to make a good landing!!!

Ken