Plain English Meaning

A turn where the airplane is sliding sideways through the air instead of curving smoothly around the corner, because the pilot is using too much or too little rudder for the bank.

Full Definition

Turns flown with the aircraft slipping or skidding because the rudder and aileron inputs are not properly matched, leaving the aircraft's longitudinal axis out of alignment with its flight path. The result is sideways force on the airframe and on the occupants.

Context Anchor

Seen in instrument flying when checking the turn coordinator or , and in discussions of inner-ear sensations during turns.