Definition
A crosswind correction technique in which the airplane's nose is turned into the wind so that the airplane's heading differs from its track over the ground, allowing the airplane to fly a straight ground path despite a crosswind. In the crab method, wings are kept level and the airplane is flown at an angle to the runway centerline during the approach; the crab is then removed just before touchdown so the airplane lands with its longitudinal axis aligned with the runway.
Plain English
You point the nose slightly into the wind so the airplane drifts straight down the runway centerline instead of being blown sideways. Wings stay level. Just before landing, you straighten the nose so the airplane touches down pointing the same way it's rolling.
Context Anchor
Used on final approach and landing when the wind is blowing across the runway instead of straight down it.
Derivation
The word 'crab' comes from the sideways walk of the crustacean. An airplane in a crab is moving forward over the ground while pointed off to one side, similar to the way a crab moves sideways relative to the direction it faces.
Why Pilots Care
Maintains directional control and prevents drift during crosswind landings, reducing risk of runway excursion or loss of control.
Analogy
Like a boat angling its bow into a river current to travel straight across to the opposite bank.
Intuition Check
The crab method does not mean landing sideways on purpose. It means temporarily pointing the nose into the wind to stay on the correct path, then straightening the airplane before touchdown.
Example Sentence 1
On final approach with a strong left crosswind, the pilot used the crab method, holding the nose about ten degrees left of the runway heading to track the centerline.
Example Sentence 2
Just before touchdown the pilot transitioned from the crab method to a wings-level alignment using rudder.