In a rectangular wing, where does the stall progression begin?

In a rectangular wing, the stall progression typically begins at the wing root. This phenomenon occurs because the wing root experiences higher angles of attack compared to the wingtip due to the distribution of lift along the span of the wing. When the critical angle of attack is exceeded, airflow separation happens first at the root, leading to a stall condition that moves outward along the wing.

The stall characteristics of a rectangular wing are closely related to its aerodynamic design. The root section is designed to carry a significant portion of the aircraft's lift, resulting in differing stall behavior compared to the tips. Understanding stall progression is crucial for pilots, as it affects aircraft handling and recovery techniques during flight. Therefore, recognizing that stall begins at the wing root is essential for effective operational practices in aviation.