How does a stall occur in an aircraft?

A stall occurs in an aircraft when the angle of attack exceeds a critical value. The angle of attack is defined as the angle between the chord line of the wing and the oncoming relative wind. As the angle of attack increases, the lift generated by the wings also increases—up to a certain point. However, once the critical angle of attack is surpassed, the airflow over the wings begins to separate, leading to a dramatic loss of lift and control. This phenomenon can occur regardless of airspeed, configuration, or power setting, making it critical for pilots to understand and respect the limitations of their aircraft regarding angle of attack.

Understanding this concept is fundamental for pilots, as stalls can happen during various phases of flight if the aircraft is not operated within its prescribed limits. Proper stall recognition and recovery techniques are essential for maintaining safe flight operations.