Multiple choice

Above the critical angle of attack, an airplane will

  1. crash

  2. spin

  3. stall

  4. none of these

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

When an airplane exceeds its critical angle of attack, the smooth airflow over the wing separates, causing a sudden loss of lift. This is called a stall, regardless of the airplane's airspeed or attitude. Stalls occur because the wing can no longer generate sufficient lift at that extreme angle, not because of engine failure or spinning.