Exceeding the angle of attack can lead to what condition?

Exceeding the angle of attack refers to the situation where the angle between the wing and the oncoming air becomes too steep, causing airflow to separate from the wing surface. This separation leads to a significant reduction in lift and can ultimately result in a stall, which is characterized by a loss of aerodynamic lift that can cause the aircraft to drop suddenly.

In a stall condition, the aircraft may not respond effectively to control inputs, making it challenging for pilots to manage the plane's altitude and trajectory. Recognizing the critical angle of attack is crucial not only for maintaining lift but also for ensuring safe flight behavior. Understanding this phenomenon is essential for pilots to prevent operating outside the aircraft's performance limits and maintain safe flight operations.