FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)Aerodynamics and Aircraft SystemsMedium
A student pilot is practicing turns to headings and applies excessive rudder while turning left, causing the airplane to skid. The airspeed decays and the airplane stalls in this uncoordinated condition. What is the primary aerodynamic hazard created by this scenario?
- AA reduction in adverse yaw that improves roll control at the stall
- BOne wing stalling before the other, creating a strong rolling and yawing tendency that can lead to a spin
- CAn increase in stall speed due to reduced load factor
- DA symmetric stall with both wings losing lift at the same rate
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. One wing stalling before the other, creating a strong rolling and yawing tendency that can lead to a spin
In an uncoordinated (skidding) turn, the outer wing has a higher angle of attack than the inner wing, causing it to reach the critical angle of attack and stall first. This asymmetric stall produces a strong rolling and yawing motion toward the lower wing, which is the classic entry into a spin.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Uncoordinated flight increases, not reduces, the yaw/roll coupling hazard.
- C. Load factor is not reduced here; the skid does not lower stall speed.
- D. A skid produces an asymmetric, not symmetric, stall between the wings.
Uncoordinated Stall / Spin Entry
A stall entered while skidding or slipping causes one wing to stall before the other, producing a rolling/yawing departure that can develop into a spin.
- Skids raise the outer wing's angle of attack
- Asymmetric stall = one wing stalls first
- This is the classic base-to-final spin scenario
Memory trick: Skid, stall, spin — uncoordinated turns are the spin's best friend.