Definition
In a turn to final approach, overshoot is the condition in which the airplane passes through the extended runway centerline because the bank angle was too shallow or the turn was started too late. It is the situation that often tempts a pilot to tighten the turn with rudder, which can lead to a cross-control stall.
Plain English
You went past the line you were aiming for. While turning onto final, the airplane drifted beyond the runway's centerline instead of rolling out neatly on it.
Context Anchor
Seen in traffic pattern discussions, especially when a pilot turns from base to final and goes past the runway centerline.
Derivation
From 'over' (beyond) and 'shoot' (to move quickly toward a target). The image is of an arrow flying past its mark — the airplane has gone beyond the intended line.
Why Pilots Care
Exceeding the planned bank angle in a cross-control situation can produce an uncoordinated stall with little or no warning.
Intuition Check
Overshoot does not just mean “go too high” or “miss the runway.” In this context, it means passing beyond the intended ground track or alignment, such as going past the runway centerline during the turn to final.
Example Sentence 1
He started his base-to-final turn late and began to overshoot the centerline, so he rolled out, climbed, and went around for another approach.
Example Sentence 2
During recovery from the cross-control stall, the nose must not be allowed to overshoot the horizon.