If an aircraft is overloaded to exceed the aft center of gravity limit, what is a likely outcome?

When an aircraft exceeds the aft center of gravity limit, it results in a tail-heavy condition. This configuration significantly impacts the aircraft's stability and handling characteristics. In flight, an aircraft that is tail-heavy tends to have a lower pitch stability, which can make it more susceptible to stalling.

In this condition, upon reaching a critical angle of attack, the aircraft may stall unexpectedly since the tail may have difficulty generating enough downforce to maintain level flight. This can result in a loss of control, making it challenging for the pilot to recover the aircraft. Understanding weight and balance is crucial in aviation, as proper loading ensures optimal performance and safety.

While a tail-heavy condition does not align with improved stability, better fuel efficiency, or enhanced take-off performance, it clearly underscores the hazards associated with overloading an aircraft beyond its designed center of gravity limits.