Ground loop (aviation)

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.In powered aeroplanes, the ground loop phenomenon is predominantly associated with aircraft that have conventional landing gear, due to the centre of gravity being positioned behind the main wheels.To avoid a ground loop, the pilot must respond to any turning tendency quickly, while sufficient control authority is available to counteract it.Tow plane pilots are taught to delay applying full power until the glider is moving fast enough that its tail is off the ground, reducing the angle of attack on the wing.Pilots may decide to execute a ground loop deliberately, usually as a last resort before hitting an immovable object, as in the case of China Airlines Flight 605.
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.
The Schleicher ASK 23 is a single-seat glider suitable for new pilots. It has a nose-wheel, and its main wheel is behind the centre of gravity. This avoids the risk of ground-looping at commencement of takeoff in a crosswind behind a tow plane.
Ground loop (electricity)Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-8aviationrotationfixed-wing aircrafthorizontal planeyawingAerodynamicWright Brothersconventional landing gearcentre of gravitytricycle landing gearwheel-barrowingmomenttaxiinglandingtakeoffundercarriagePan Am Flight 121GlidersChina Airlines Flight 605Langewiesche, Wolfgang