Why does my RC plane nose dive on launch?

Question: Why does my RC plane nose dive on launch?

Answer: A nose dive on launch usually means your RC plane’s centre of gravity (CG) is too far forward, causing it to pitch down sharply. First, check the CG location specified in your plane’s manual and adjust the battery or add small weights near the tail if needed. Second, ensure your elevator trim is set correctly; a nose-down trim will cause diving. Third, confirm that your control surfaces are moving in the right direction and not reversed. Also, consider your launch technique—launch gently and level rather than steeply to avoid sudden nose-down forces. Finally, inspect the wing incidence angle; if the wing is angled downward relative to the tailplane, it can cause diving. Adjusting the wing or tailplane slightly can help. By systematically checking CG, trim, control directions, and launch method, you’ll find and fix the cause of the nose dive effectively.