Which Way Will It Go?

For many, predicting the direction in which an airplane will spin is a Fools Errand-any spins should be avoided in the first place. But understanding how a spin develops and how control deflections help determine the spin direction also can help us avoid them.

Key Takeaways:

• Spins result from an airplane stalling (exceeding its critical angle of attack) concurrently with a yawing moment.
• Uncoordinated turns (slipping or skidding) are a frequent cause, providing the necessary yaw for a spin if a stall occurs.
• The airplane will spin in the direction of the more stalled wing, which is typically the wing moving slower due to the yaw, causing it to drop.

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