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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-cross-control-stall-base-final

Where is a skidding cross-control stall most likely to happen?

In a poorly flown base-to-final turn in the traffic pattern.

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  1. On the takeoff roll
  2. In level cruise flight
  3. In the base-to-final turn ✔

Why: Overshooting final, a pilot may add bottom rudder and back pressure to tighten the turn. That skid can stall one wing first and roll the airplane into a spin. The safest fix for an overshoot is a go-around.

Huh, didn't know that: The FAA says pilots should be reluctant to use more than 30 degrees of bank in the base-to-final turn.

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Overshot final? Go around. The runway will still be there, it's not going anywhere.
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References

Answer: In the base-to-final turn. Overshooting final, a pilot may add bottom rudder and back pressure to tighten the turn. That skid can stall one wing first and roll the airplane into a spin. The safest fix for an overshoot is a go-around.

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 5 Maintaining Aircraft Control www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/06_afh_ch5.pdf
    A skidding cross-control stall is most likely to occur in the traffic pattern during a poorly planned and executed base-to-final approach turn.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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