Well I have tail stalled it, twice, 18 years ago when learning. CG at
the forward limit(not close, _at_), full flaps, wing in ground effect,
stabilitor moving into it's own ground effect, and don't use nose up
trim. Thinking about your other post with the claim that some overspray
created such problems, I should also point out the aircraft had the
known icing package. Looking at the boot on the stabilator it surely
must be the culprit as it is far worse than overspray or a wavy edge. As
far as I know there is no change in a sabilator that is going to be
booted or not.

Was it the wing that stalled? Back then I was taught it was the tail.
I was also warned if carrying ice to be _very_ wary of a tail stall (no
flaps). As for the cardinal, pilots at the time told me the slots came
out because some people were managing to stall the stabilator. It must
have a very forward center of gravity, but to me that is the way it
should be to make loading easier.

I have stalled the wing in the flare and that was different. I am sure I
could try to do it again but I will pass on that. Yes I trained doing
all manner of stalls, well not all, not single engine stalls. I suspect
newer Senecas go out the door with the cg farther aft as they have
gotten very heavy compared to the III's. Thinking back to the times I
did it, I still believe it was the tail that gave out. Even though it
goes against popular thinking. But nobody would believe me if I claimed
to see a flying saucer either. It's just my personal expierience,
nothing quoted from books. And like anybodies I could be wrong, but I
lived it so that is what I thought.

But your right, it doesn't make sense, they wouldn't certify the
airplane it there was any chance of the tail ever stalling under any
possible condition. I didn't know that about certification requirements.

Thanks for your thoughtful replies and setting me straight.

John



Greg Esres wrote:

No, and with full flaps it pull an greater aoa for the same
authority(down force). It stalls. And the nose can drop real hard. As
the stab moves into ground effect the aoa increases also.

Sorry, I was thinking of a horizontal stabilizer/elevator combo.
Still, the lift coefficient of the horizontal tail most likely doesn't
get near Clmax. I regularly make full stall landings with the Seneca
using 40 degree flaps.The tail doesn't stall. If the nose drops, it's
a physical strength issue.

But the seneca nose gears take a pounding because of the way they
are flown. It
leads to failures.

The British did a very elaborate analysis of the nose gear on the
Seneca and didn't think that was a factor. The gear is designed to
withstand vertical loads. It's front to back loads that are a
problem.