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PilotSchool Knowledge Base

Differentiating and Recovering from Wing Drop, Spin, and Spiral Dive

Learning Outcomes

In this section, we differentiate between three critical flight conditions in light aeroplanes: wing drops, spins, and spiral dives. Additionally, we will describe the standard recovery techniques from each of these conditions.

Differentiating Wing Drop, Spin, and Spiral Dive

Wing Drop

Definition

A wing drop occurs when one wing stalls before the other, causing an uncommanded roll towards the stalled wing.

Causes

  1. Aerodynamic Factors:
    • Exceeding the critical angle of attack.
    • Yaw near stall, especially when attempting to correct roll with ailerons during a stall.
  2. Structural and Weight Imbalances:
    • Incorrect rigging or unequal weight distribution.
  3. Environmental Factors:
    • Turbulence that exceeds the critical angle or necessitates aileron input.
  4. Mechanical and System Influences:
    • Uneven effects from partial power and improper flap deployment.

Spin

Definition

A spin is characterized by an airplane descending in a helical path while yawing, rolling, and pitching, with both wings stalled.

Causes

  • Typically initiated by a stall during uncoordinated flight, leading to a deeper stall on one wing and autorotation.

Phases

  1. Incipient Spin: Transition from stall to spinning alignment.
  2. Developed Spin: Equilibrium with constant airspeed and descent rate.
  3. Recovery Phase: Adjusting controls to correct aerodynamic forces.

Spiral Dive

Definition

A spiral dive is a steep descending turn with a nose-down attitude and rapidly increasing airspeed, occurring without a stall.

Causes

  • Initiated by allowing the nose to drop during a banked turn, often due to pilot disorientation or ineffective spin recovery.

Recognition

  • Increased airspeed, g-forces, loud airflow noise, and heavy controls.

Recovery Techniques

Wing Drop Recovery

  1. Neutral Ailerons: Prevent increasing the angle of attack on the stalled wing.
  2. Rudder Use: Apply rudder to stop yaw.
  3. Power Application: Smoothly apply full power.
  4. Wing Levelling and Nose Rise: Once control is regained, use ailerons to level wings and stabilize.
  5. Flap Management: Gradually adjust flaps post-recovery.

Spin Recovery (PARE Method)

  1. Power to Idle.
  2. Ailerons Neutral.
  3. Rudder Opposite the spin direction.
  4. Elevator Forward to reduce angle of attack.
  5. Regain stable flight once the spin stops.

Spiral Dive Recovery

  1. Throttle to Idle: Reduce speed increase.
  2. Wings Level: Use coordinated controls without abrupt rolling or pulling.
  3. Pull Out Gradually: Ease the nose to a stable attitude.
  4. Reapply Power: Once the airspeed and climb rate are within normal limits.

Conclusion

Understanding and correctly identifying wing drop, spin, and spiral dive conditions in light aeroplanes are essential for safe flight operations. Each situation requires specific recovery actions, and practice of these techniques is crucial for maintaining control and safety in flight.