ground loop

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Thân thiện

The pilot corrected for a sudden ground loop during the taxi.

Definition

Noun:
- A sharp uncontrollable turn made by an airplane while moving along the ground: A hazardous, sudden, and often violent swerving or pivoting motion of an aircraft on the runway or taxiway during ground operations, typically caused by uneven braking, wind gusts, or a locked wheel.

Usage Examples

Noun:
- The pilot corrected for the crosswind to avoid a dangerous ground loop during landing.
- A ground loop can cause significant damage to the aircraft's landing gear.

Advanced Usage

In technical analysis: The term is used to describe a specific type of ground-handling incident, distinct from a skid or a simple veer-off, characterized by a rapid loss of directional control.
In causal discussions: Often analyzed in the context of pilot technique, mechanical failure (like a tire blowout), or adverse weather conditions.
- The investigation concluded that a combination of a tailwind and a brake malfunction initiated the ground loop.

Variants and Related Words

Ground-loop (verb, less common): To cause an aircraft to execute such a turn.
- The inexperienced pilot nearly ground-looped the vintage plane.
Ground handling: The general operation and control of an aircraft on the ground, under which a ground loop is a potential incident.

Synonyms

Related Phrases

To enter a ground loop: Describes the moment the aircraft begins the uncontrollable turn.
- The aircraft entered a ground loop when the left main gear tire blew.
To recover from a ground loop: Refers to the pilot's actions, though recovery is often not possible once the violent turn is initiated.

Related Idioms

is occasionally used metaphorically outside of aviation to describe any situation that spirals out of control unexpectedly and with a turning motion.
- The project ground-looped after the lead developer quit. (Figurative, informal use)

The pilot corrected for a sudden ground loop during the taxi.

Noun