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AerodynamicsQuestion 481 of 934

How do ice, snow, and frost on the wing affect the stall?

  1. The wing stalls at a higher angle of attack
  2. The stall behavior stays the same as when clean
  3. The stall speed gets lower than normal
  4. Airflow separates at a lower angle of attack
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Correct answer: Airflow separates at a lower angle of attack

Contamination disrupts the smooth airflow. Lift is greatly reduced.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 5: Aerodynamics of Flight — Stalls, page 123

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026