When does a stall occur in aviation?

A stall in aviation primarily occurs when the aircraft exceeds the critical angle of attack. The critical angle of attack is the specific angle at which the airflow over the wings begins to separate from the wing surface, leading to a dramatic reduction in lift. When this angle is exceeded, even if the airspeed is still adequate, the wing can no longer produce sufficient lift to keep the aircraft flying.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pilots, as it emphasizes the importance of maintaining a safe angle of attack during flight. The stall can happen at various airspeeds and load factors, depending on the aircraft's configuration, weight, and other factors, but it is fundamentally tied to exceeding the critical angle rather than just the airspeed or control inputs alone.