blowdown limit

Noun

blowdown limit (plural blowdown limits)

1. The maximum deflection that a control surface is capable of reaching under given flight conditions, past which the aerodynamic forces acting on the control surface exceed the maximum opposing force available from the control surface's actuators.
   • The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the United Airlines flight 585 accident was a loss of control of the airplane resulting from the movement of the rudder surface to its blowdown limit. The rudder surface most likely deflected in a direction opposite to...2001 March 27, National Transportation Safety Board, “3.2 Probable Cause”, in Aircraft Accident Report: Uncontrolled Descent and Collision With Terrain, United Airlines Flight 585, Boeing 737-200...