Recovery From Spiral Dive - Cessna 172 R Pilot Operating Handbook

RECOVERY FROM SPIRAL DIVE

If a spiral is encountered in the clouds, proceed as follows:
(1) Retard Thrust Lever to idle position
(2) Stop the turn by using coordinated aileron and rudder
control to align the symbolic airplane in the turn coordinator
with the horizontal reference line.
(3) Cautiously apply elevator back pressure to slowly reduce
the airspeed to 80 KIAS.
(4) Adjust the elevator trim control to maintain an 80 KIAS
glide.
(5) Keep hands off the control wheel, using rudder control to
hold a straight heading.
(6) Readjust the rudder trim (if installed) to relieve the rudder
of asymmetric forces.
(7) Clear the engine occasionally, but avoid using enough
power to disturb the trimmed glide.
(8) Upon breaking out of clouds, resume normal cruising flight
and continue the flight.
Page 3-12
Issue 3
Revision 2, Mar. 2022
Supplement POH
Cessna 172 R&S
(FAA-Version)