What is the recommended action to recover from Mach tuck?

Mach tuck is an aerodynamic phenomenon that can occur at high speeds, typically as an aircraft approaches or exceeds the speed of sound. It is characterized by a nose-down pitching moment that can result from shock waves forming over the wings and the alteration of lift distribution. To recover from Mach tuck, the recommended action is to descend.

Descend to a lower altitude is the preferred action because it allows the aircraft to reduce its airspeed, moving away from the conditions that lead to Mach tuck. As the speed decreases, the aerodynamic forces that cause the nose to pitch downward are diminished, allowing for better control over the aircraft and preventing a potential stall or loss of control.

In contrast, climbing, increasing thrust, or reducing altitude may not effectively address the problem of Mach tuck. Climbing could further aggravate the situation by increasing the aircraft’s speed, while increasing thrust could exacerbate the nose-down pitch. Reducing altitude is slightly ambiguous, as it does not necessarily indicate a reduction in speed that is essential for recovery. Therefore, descending to lower airspeeds is the most effective and safest way to recover from Mach tuck.