A __________ occurs when the aircraft slides sideways towards the center of the turn.

A slip occurs when the aircraft slides sideways towards the center of the turn due to insufficient bank angle for a given airspeed. During a slip, the aircraft's wings are not generating enough lift to maintain balanced flight while executing a turn, leading to an excess of load on the inside wing. This results in the aircraft not following the flight path aligned with the turn and causes it to move sideways instead.

In this scenario, the aircraft's vertical lift vector is not aligned with the weight vector acting on the aircraft. Instead of maintaining the desired flight path, it slips towards the inside of the turn. This can happen, for example, if the pilot is flying too slowly while trying to maintain a turn, thus allowing the aircraft to lose altitude. Recognizing this condition is critical for maintaining controlled flight, as it can lead to excessive bank angles and potential loss of control if not addressed.

Understanding the dynamics of a slip helps pilots manage turns more effectively, as it emphasizes the need for proper aircraft control inputs, especially with regard to bank angle and airspeed during maneuvers.