What is a primary cause of an airplane stall?

What is a primary cause of an airplane stall?

• A. Increased speed
• B. Excessive angle of attack
• C. Low altitude
• D. High altitude

Answer: (B)

The primary cause of an airplane stall is excessive angle of attack. When an aircraft exceeds its critical angle of attack, the airflow over the wings becomes disrupted, leading to a significant reduction in lift. This critical angle varies with different aircraft designs and configurations but is typically around 12 to 20 degrees. When the angle of attack increases beyond this critical point, the wings cannot generate enough lift to maintain flight, which results in a stall. Pilots must be aware of the flight conditions that can lead to high angles of attack, such as during slow flight, abrupt maneuvers, or during takeoff and landing phases, to prevent stalling. The other options, like increased speed, low altitude, and high altitude, do not directly contribute to a stall. Increased speed generally provides more lift until reaching the stall speed, while low and high altitudes affect air density and aircraft performance, but they are not fundamental causes of stalling in the same way that the angle of attack is. Understanding the relationship between angle of attack and stall behavior is crucial for pilots in maintaining control and safety during flight.

The primary cause of an airplane stall is excessive angle of attack. When an aircraft exceeds its critical angle of attack, the airflow over the wings becomes disrupted, leading to a significant reduction in lift. This critical angle varies with different aircraft designs and configurations but is typically around 12 to 20 degrees.

When the angle of attack increases beyond this critical point, the wings cannot generate enough lift to maintain flight, which results in a stall. Pilots must be aware of the flight conditions that can lead to high angles of attack, such as during slow flight, abrupt maneuvers, or during takeoff and landing phases, to prevent stalling.

The other options, like increased speed, low altitude, and high altitude, do not directly contribute to a stall. Increased speed generally provides more lift until reaching the stall speed, while low and high altitudes affect air density and aircraft performance, but they are not fundamental causes of stalling in the same way that the angle of attack is. Understanding the relationship between angle of attack and stall behavior is crucial for pilots in maintaining control and safety during flight.