On a tapered wing, where does the stall usually initiate?

In a tapered wing, the stall typically initiates at the wing tip. This behavior is largely due to the aerodynamic characteristics and flow dynamics over the wing. As the angle of attack increases, the flow over the wing experiences changes in pressure distribution, which can lead to flow separation.

On a tapered wing, the wing tips are more susceptible to stalling first because they experience a higher angle of attack for a given overall wing angle of attack. The tapering affects how lift is distributed across the span; as the tip experiences a reduction in lift due to lower local circulation compared to the root of the wing, it can reach its critical angle of attack sooner. This is especially important since stalls often progress from the wing tip inward, creating a loss of lift that can adversely affect roll control and overall stability.

Thus, identifying tip stall as a distinct phase in aerodynamic performance is crucial for pilots. Understanding that loss of lift begins at the tips helps in both handling and anticipating the aircraft's behavior during flight, particularly during maneuvers that involve high angles of attack.