What happens to lift when an aircraft exceeds its critical angle of attack?

When an aircraft exceeds its critical angle of attack, the flow of air over the wings becomes disturbed, leading to a significant reduction in lift. This phenomenon is known as a stall. At angles of attack beyond this critical point, airflow separates from the wing's upper surface, disrupting the smooth flow that generates lift. Consequently, the aircraft experiences a sudden loss of lift, which can lead to a potentially dangerous situation if not recovered promptly.

Understanding this principle is crucial for pilots since recognizing and respecting the critical angle of attack helps maintain safe flight operations and prevent stalls. Proper training emphasizes the importance of staying within safe operating parameters related to angle of attack to ensure that lift is effectively generated and sustained during flight.