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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-graveyard-spiral

In a graveyard spiral, what happens if the pilot pulls back to stop the sensed descent?

The spiral tightens and altitude loss increases.

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  1. The spiral tightens ✔
  2. The wings level
  3. The turn stops

Why: The pilot may falsely feel level while actually turning. Pulling back increases load and tightens the descending turn instead of stopping the descent.

Huh, didn't know that: The correct defense is to trust and follow the flight instruments.

The dad joke
The spiral failed geometry because it kept going around in circles.
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References

Answer: The spiral tightens. The pilot may falsely feel level while actually turning. Pulling back increases load and tightens the descending turn instead of stopping the descent.

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, Chapter 17 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/19_phak_ch17.pdf
    This action tightens the spiral and increases the loss of altitude
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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