Doorslip

Doorslip is a term used in aviation to describe a situation where an aircraft unexpectedly deviates from its intended flight path due to a malfunction or failure of the flight control system, particularly those related to lateral control. This deviation is often characterized by an uncommanded roll or yaw motion, causing the aircraft to "slip" sideways.

The primary cause of doorslip can be a failure in the ailerons, which are control surfaces on the trailing edge of the wings used to control roll. A jammed aileron, a loss of hydraulic pressure powering the flight controls, or a structural failure within the control system can lead to an unintended roll. In some cases, a malfunction of the rudder, which controls yaw, can also contribute to or cause a doorslip.

Modern aircraft employ sophisticated redundant systems to mitigate the risk of such failures. However, in older aircraft or in the event of a catastrophic system failure, doorslip can become a significant safety concern. Pilots are trained to recognize and recover from these types of emergencies. Recovery typically involves using other available control surfaces, such as rudder and throttle, to counteract the unintended motion and regain stable flight. The specific recovery procedure depends on the aircraft type and the nature of the malfunction. Understanding and addressing the potential causes of doorslip is an ongoing area of focus in aviation safety research and design.