Distributed propulsion systems have received extensive attention due to high efficiency, reliability, favorable fuel economy, and noise reduction advantages. However, effects of ducted fan failure on the aerodynamics of such systems remain unclear. Numerical simulations were performed using a method based on the hybrid body force model to explore the aero-propulsive coupling effect of a distributed propulsion system when a ducted fan failed. The aero-propulsive interaction between the wing and ducted fans and the cross coupling effect between different ducted fans were analyzed. The results show that the failure of a single ducted fan has a significant effect on the aerodynamics of coupled configuration. Compared with the normal condition, the critical angle of attack has decreased from 32° to 27° when the middle fan fails; however, the critical angle of attack remains almost unchanged when the edge fan fails. In addition, the mass flow rate of the failed fan is reduced and a negative thrust is generated. The shape factors of the neighboring fans increase by 37.9% and 15.4% when the middle and edge fans fail, respectively. Furthermore, the failure of edge fan leads to an increase of 245% in the total pressure distortion index and 139% in the swirl distortion index of the neighboring fan at zero angle of attack. When the angle of attack approaches the critical value, the failure of the middle fan leads to an increase of 175% in the total pressure distortion index and 122% in the swirl distortion index of the neighboring fan.