What occurs during a severe engine failure scenario like the KC-10 incident?

During a severe engine failure scenario, such as the KC-10 incident, the crew's ability to correctly identify the problem and perform the boldface steps is crucial for ensuring safety and managing the situation effectively. Boldface steps are those critical actions that are required to mitigate the emergency, and they are generally memorized by the crew during training.

In this scenario, as the crew recognizes the engine failure, they respond according to these predefined procedures, which may include adjusting their aircraft's configuration, communicating with air traffic control, and preparing for a possible emergency landing. This swift and decisive action helps to stabilize the aircraft and allows the crew to maintain control, making it vital for survival and safety.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of a severe engine failure. An engine operating normally contradicts the premise of failure, fuel dumping is generally considered only when necessary and not an immediate response, and initiating an immediate descent may not be the first approach taken unless under specific circumstances dictated by the situation. Therefore, the emphasis on the correct identification of the problem and the performance of boldface steps underscores the importance of crew training and preparedness in handling in-flight emergencies.