What condition increases the risk of a stall?

The condition that increases the risk of a stall is a high angle of attack. When an aircraft flies at a high angle of attack, the airflow over the wings begins to separate from the wing's upper surface, which diminishes lift and can lead to a stall. The critical angle of attack is the specific angle at which this stall occurs; it does not depend on airspeed or weight. Pilots are trained to be aware of their angle of attack, particularly during maneuvers such as turns, climbs, or slow flight, where the angle can increase significantly.

In contrast, high airspeed can actually delay the onset of a stall because increased speed helps maintain airflow over the wings. Low altitude might not directly contribute to a stall risk, but it can limit a pilot's recovery options if a stall were to occur. Low weight reduces the aircraft's stall speed since stall speed is affected by the weight of the aircraft; therefore, a lighter aircraft will stall at a lower indicated airspeed. Understanding the relationship between angle of attack and stall risk is crucial for safe flying practices.