What happens when the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle?

When the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle, the airflow over the wings becomes increasingly disturbed and can no longer adhere to the wing's surface. This disruption causes a significant loss of lift, leading to what is known as a stall. During a stall, the aircraft cannot maintain level flight or climb adequately, which can result in a sudden decrease in altitude if not promptly addressed by the pilot.

Understanding the critical angle of attack is crucial in aerodynamics, as it is the point beyond which the wing can no longer generate sufficient lift for sustained flight. It is essential for pilots to recognize this limit to prevent stalling and to maintain control of the aircraft during maneuvering. This phenomenon explains why exceeding the critical angle poses such risks, reinforcing the importance of managing angle of attack in flight operations.