Ground loop and swing recovery
Definitions (TP 1102):
- Swing: any undesirable turn during ground operation. Uncorrected, can develop into a ground loop.
- Ground loop: violent, uncontrollable turn on the ground. Caused by failing to correct, or overcorrecting, a swing during landing or takeoff.
Mostly a tailwheel problem (PHAK ch.7):
| Gear | CG position | Effect on swerve |
|---|---|---|
| Tailwheel | Behind main wheels | CG tries to swing ahead of main gear, pulls tail around |
| Tricycle | Ahead of main wheels | Pulls aircraft straight, resists swerve; easier ground handling |
Swing causes:
- Touching down still crabbed into wind, or drifting sideways
- Crosswind on fuselage and rudder, weathercocking nose into wind
- Upwind wing allowed to rise, adding to weathercocking on the tail
- Handover from rudder to tailwheel steering as tail settles in a wheel landing
- Wrong bounce recovery (same effect as landing with drift)
Recovery (TP 1102): anticipate the swing, act firm and immediate.
- Control column fully back
- Apply opposite rudder
Trap: control column BACK, not forward; forward pressure lightens the tailwheel when its steering is needed most.
References
- TP 1102 Approach and Landing
- PHAK ch.7 (Landing Gear)