Thanks for the replies, guys. Not that I understood much - just shows how little I know
As this was a long while ago, and in the early stages of training, I don't remember much. I was trying to put it into a spin, using the flick entry we were taught, when the instructor shove urgently forward on the stick, accompanied by a strangled gasp - followed by the above explanation.
Foxmoth, Ultimate High is my target if I can find the time and money
