In a descending turn, which wing will stall first?

In a descending turn, which wing will stall first?

• A. The lower wing
• B. The higher wing
• C. Both wings stall simultaneously
• D. Neither wing stalls first

Answer: (A)

In a descending turn, the lower wing will stall first due to the different angles of attack and load factors experienced by each wing. During the turn, the airplane bank changes the distribution of lift and weight, increasing the load factor on the wings. The lower wing, which is angled more steeply into the turn, experiences an increased angle of attack compared to the higher wing. This increased angle of attack makes the lower wing more susceptible to reaching its critical angle of attack sooner. Consequently, it is likely to stall before the higher wing since it is operating at a higher angle of attack as opposed to the higher wing that is experiencing a more favorable angle. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for pilots to prevent stalls, especially in turns, as recovery may be more challenging if the lower wing stalls first.

In a descending turn, the lower wing will stall first due to the different angles of attack and load factors experienced by each wing. During the turn, the airplane bank changes the distribution of lift and weight, increasing the load factor on the wings. The lower wing, which is angled more steeply into the turn, experiences an increased angle of attack compared to the higher wing.

This increased angle of attack makes the lower wing more susceptible to reaching its critical angle of attack sooner. Consequently, it is likely to stall before the higher wing since it is operating at a higher angle of attack as opposed to the higher wing that is experiencing a more favorable angle. Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for pilots to prevent stalls, especially in turns, as recovery may be more challenging if the lower wing stalls first.