What is usually the result of increasing the angle of attack past the critical angle?

When the angle of attack is increased past the critical angle, the airflow over the wings of an aircraft begins to separate, resulting in a significant loss of lift, commonly referred to as a stall condition. This critical angle represents the maximum angle of attack at which the wings can generate sufficient lift efficiently. Beyond this point, the airflow can no longer stay attached to the wing surface, leading to a dramatic reduction in lift and increased drag.

In a stall condition, the aircraft may also experience a loss of control due to the suddenly reduced aerodynamic forces acting on it. Pilots must be trained to recognize and recover from this state to regain controlled flight. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for safe aircraft operation, particularly during maneuvers that require varying angles of attack, such as takeoff, landing, and aggressive turns.