What occurs when an aircraft stalls?

When an aircraft stalls, the key factor is that the airflow over the top surfaces of the wings becomes disrupted due to the critical angle of attack (AoA) being exceeded. The critical AoA is the angle at which the wing can no longer maintain smooth airflow over its surface, leading to a loss of lift. This phenomenon can occur at any airspeed, but it is crucial to understand that it is primarily influenced by the angle at which the wing meets the oncoming air.

As the wing reaches this critical AoA, the smooth airflow begins to separate from the wing's surface, causing a significant reduction in lift. This can lead to a variety of responses from the aircraft, depending on the pilot's actions and the flight conditions. It is essential to recognize that stalls are not solely related to speed or thrust but rather to the aerodynamics of the aircraft in relation to its angle of attack.

This understanding is fundamental in addressing the stall recovery process and ensuring safe flight operations, as it emphasizes the importance of managing the angle of attack effectively. Various other scenarios, such as thrust-related issues or landing gear failures, do not directly relate to the aerodynamic principles governing stall conditions.