Which condition might increase the risk of a tail strike during takeoff?

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The scenario described pertains to the center of gravity (CG) limits of an aircraft, which play a crucial role in its stability and performance during takeoff and landing. Exceeding the aft CG limits means that the center of gravity is positioned too far towards the tail of the aircraft. When this occurs, certain aerodynamic characteristics can lead to a higher risk of the tail striking the runway during takeoff.

When the CG is aft, the aircraft’s pitch behavior may change, making it more prone to pitch up unexpectedly at lower airspeeds during the takeoff phase. This increased pitch angle can result in the tail of the aircraft coming into contact with the runway, especially during rotation if the pilot is not cautious.

In contrast, keeping the CG within the correct limits promotes more stable and predictable aircraft behavior during flight phases, thereby reducing the risk of incidents such as tail strikes.

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