Mach Tuck

A flight condition that can occur when operating a swept wing airplane in the transonic speed range. Under certain conditions a shock wave forms in the root portion of the wing and causes the air behind it to separate. This shock-induced separation causes the center of lift to move aft. At the same time, the disturbed air causes the horizontal stabilizer to lose some of its effectiveness. The airplane develops a nose-down pitch, or tucks under. See shock stall.