What happens when the critical angle of attack is exceeded?

When the critical angle of attack is exceeded, the airflow over the wings begins to separate, resulting in a significant loss of lift. This condition is known as a stall. At the critical angle of attack, the wings are producing the maximum lift they can while maintaining smooth airflow; however, when that angle is exceeded, the smooth airflow breaks down, leading to turbulence and a rapid decrease in lift.

Stalls can occur at any airspeed and in any configuration, and they are not necessarily related to high altitude or slow speeds; they are primarily a function of exceeding the critical angle of attack. In practical terms, a stall can lead to a loss of control if not promptly addressed by the pilot, making understanding the relationship between angle of attack and lift crucial for flight safety.

The other options do not accurately describe the consequences of exceeding the critical angle of attack. Instead of gaining lift, the aircraft experiences a loss of lift; it cannot climb rapidly under stall conditions; and speed does not increase significantly in a stall scenario, as the aircraft may begin to descend.