Avoiding the Cross-Controlled Stall

According to the FAAs Airplane Flying Handbook, FAA-H-8083-3A, this type of stall occurs with the controls crossed-aileron pressure applied in one direction and rudder pressure in the opposite direction. In addition, when excessive back-elevator pressure is applied, a cross-control stall may result. This is a stall that is most apt to occur during a poorly planned and executed base-to-final approach turn, and often is the result of overshooting the centerline of the runway during that turn. The greatest danger from the cross-controlled stall when turning final is not the stall itself but the lack of altitude available within which the pilot may recover.

Key Takeaways:

• A cross-control stall occurs when aileron and rudder are applied in opposite directions with excessive back-elevator pressure, most commonly during poorly executed base-to-final turns when overshooting the runway centerline.
• The greatest danger of a cross-control stall, particularly when turning final, is the lack of altitude available for recovery.
• To prevent this type of stall, pilots should avoid steeply banked turns (limit to 30 degrees), carefully plan their turn to final, and go around if they find themselves needing aileron opposite the turn.

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