Overbanking tendency

Overbanking Tendency

Overbanking tendency refers to the inclination of an aircraft’s bank angle to persistently increase despite returning the controls to a neutral position. This phenomenon often occurs during abrupt aircraft maneuvers, especially at high speeds, when the aircraft exceeds its critical angle of attack, disrupting the lift pattern around the wings leading to a sudden loss of lift on the outer wing, which, in turn, leads to an uncontrolled roll, or spiral dive.

The overbanking tendency is a dangerous phenomenon as it can cause loss of control of an aircraft, leading to a catastrophic outcome. It is crucial for pilots to recognize this tendency and act accordingly to prevent it from happening. Avoiding sudden control inputs, ensuring the bank angle does not exceed the critical angle of attack, and maintaining proper airspeed and altitude are some of the precautionary measures pilots can take to prevent overbanking.

This phenomenon is also relevant in the design of modern aircraft. Designers must account for this tendency and employ various measures to ensure their aircraft will not experience instability or loss of control due to overbanking. These measures can include the implementation of fly-by-wire systems, spoilers, or other aerodynamic devices to regulate the lift distribution around the wing.