During which phase of flight is a stall most likely to occur?

A stall is most likely to occur during takeoff or landing when the angle of attack is high due to the specific flight conditions present during these phases. Both takeoff and landing require the aircraft to operate at lower speeds, and during these operations, pilots often need to pitch the aircraft up, which increases the angle of attack. If the angle of attack exceeds the critical angle, airflow over the wings becomes disrupted, leading to a stall.

In contrast, during cruising altitude, the aircraft operates at a stable speed and suitable angle of attack, which typically keeps it well within safe operational limits, minimizing the stall risk. Similarly, during level flight, the aircraft is generally stable and at a proper angle of attack for normal flight conditions. Although stalls can occur during emergency descents, the circumstances are more controlled and less predictable, making them less common compared to the high-risk scenarios presented during takeoff and landing when the aircraft is maneuvered closely to its limits.