Ground loop (aviation)

This article is about the uncontrolled rotation of an aircraft during ground movement. For the electrical mis-configuration, see Ground loop (electricity).
A Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8 replica in a ground loop caused by a failure of the right-hand wheel brake. The right main undercarriage is collapsing.

In aviation, a ground loop is a rapid rotation of a fixed-wing aircraft in the horizontal plane (yawing) while on the ground. Aerodynamic forces may cause the advancing wing to rise, which may then cause the other wingtip to touch the ground. In severe cases (particularly if the ground surface is soft), the inside wing can dig in, causing the aircraft to swing violently or even cartwheel.[1] In their early gliding experiments, the Wright Brothers referred to this action as well-digging.

  1. ^ Love, Michael Charles (1995). Better Takeoffs & Landings. McGraw-Hill Professional. pp. 75–76. ISBN 0-07-038805-9.