As an aircraft approaches the speed of sound, localized airflow over the wings can exceed Mach 1, forming shock waves. These shock waves disrupt the airflow over the ailerons, causing them to jerk or oscillate violently without pilot input. This aerodynamic phenomenon forces the control column to pull abruptly against the pilot's hands, making the aircraft difficult to handle until the airspeed is reduced.
Heard on the job
We hit Mach 0.82 and got hit with severe aileron snatch, so I had to pull the throttles back to regain authority.
Insider tip
Older swept-wing aircraft were notorious for this issue before fully hydraulic powered flight controls became standard.
Also heard as
- aileron snatch
- control snatch