If the bank angle during a turn is excessively steep, what may happen?

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When the bank angle during a turn is excessively steep, it increases the load factor acting on the aircraft. As the bank angle increases, the stall speed also increases, which can lead to a rapid loss of altitude if the pilot does not maintain sufficient airspeed during the turn. In a steep bank, the vertical component of lift decreases, contributing to a decrease in altitude. If the turn is not executed properly with a sufficient rate of climb or adequate power, the aircraft can quickly start to descend.

In contrast, an excessively steep bank would not inherently cause speed to increase; instead, it usually leads to a higher stall speed and a lower margin for error. Maintaining coordination becomes more challenging because managing the yaw and roll during a steep turn requires precise control input. Finally, turn efficiency is generally not improved with an excessively steep bank; it can cause instability and control issues, further increasing the risk of altitude loss.

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