Definition

1. 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

• Ground swerve: A less technical synonym.
• Runway loop: A descriptive, informal term.
• Directional control loss on ground: A more general descriptive phrase.

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)

Noun

1. a sharp uncontrollable turn made by an airplane while moving along the ground