What happens during a stall?

During a stall, the critical factor is the airflow over the wing. When the aircraft exceeds its critical angle of attack, the smooth airflow over the wing becomes disrupted, leading to a condition known as airflow separation. This separation results in a significant reduction or complete loss of lift generation, which is why option B is the correct answer.

Understanding the specifics of a stall is crucial for pilots. At this point, lift cannot be sustained due to the disrupted airflow, making recovery techniques essential to regain control of the aircraft. The stall does not directly imply a rapid loss of altitude or an uncontrollable descent; rather, it signifies a loss of lift that, if not promptly addressed, can indeed lead to altitude loss, but that is a factor of how the pilot responds as opposed to a direct result of the stall itself.