What is the result of exceeding the critical angle of attack?

Exceeding the critical angle of attack results in the aircraft stalling. The critical angle of attack is the maximum angle at which the wings can produce lift before airflow begins to separate from the wing's surface. When this angle is surpassed, the lift dramatically decreases, causing a stall condition.

In this situation, the airflow over the wings becomes turbulent and cannot generate the necessary lift to sustain flight. As a result, the aircraft may experience a loss of control, which can lead to a descent if not recovered properly. Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots, as recognizing and managing angles of attack is essential for safe flight operations.