What causes an airplane (except a T-tail) to pitch nosedown when power is reduced and controls are not adjusted?
A
The CG shifts forward when thrust and drag are reduced.
B
The downwash on the elevators from the propeller slipstream is reduced and elevator effectiveness is reduced.✓ Correct Answer
C
When thrust is reduced to less than weight, lift is also reduced and the wings can no longer support the weight.
Explanation
PHAK Chapter 5 explains that the propeller slipstream flowing over the horizontal tail adds to its downward force; when power is reduced, that downwash decreases, the tail loses some of its down force and the nose pitches down. The CG does not move with power changes, and lift does not suddenly drop because thrust is less than weight.
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