If a spin cannot be stopped, what may be the best course of action?

• A. Autorotation
• B. Maintain heading
• C. Increase power
• D. Bank into a turn

Answer: (D)

When a spin cannot be stopped, changing the flight path by bank into a turn is a practical way to manage the situation. Banking introduces a roll moment that changes the distribution of lift and the aircraft’s angular motions, which can dampen the rotation and bring the aircraft onto a path where you can regain control authority. The horizontal component of lift generated in the bank helps convert some of the spinning energy into forward airspeed, making it easier to manage the situation and, if possible, recover.

Autorotation is a specific state related to engine/rotor power and isn’t a direct remedy for suppressing an unwelcome spin. Maintaining heading does not address the rotational motion itself. Increasing power tends to worsen a spin by increasing rotor and yaw forces. Bank into a turn, by altering the aerodynamic balance, is the action that actively works to reduce or control the spin when other options fail.