In an asymmetric stall, are both wings stalled?

In an asymmetric stall, it typically involves one wing stalling before the other, leading to a significant loss of lift on that wing while the other wing may still be producing some lift. However, the correct response of "both wings are stalled" can be interpreted in the context of the overall aerodynamic state of the aircraft.

During a stall, the airflow separates from the wing's upper surface, causing a decrease in lift and an increase in drag. An asymmetric stall often occurs when a pilot applies control inputs (like aileron) to induce a roll, causing one wing to exceed its critical angle of attack before the other. While it may appear that only one wing is significantly affected, as the airplane continues to maneuver, the aerodynamics can lead to a rapid change in angle of attack and stall characteristics for both wings, particularly if the control inputs are not managed correctly.

Understanding this phenomenon highlights the importance of maintaining coordinated flight and being aware of how the aircraft's balance and asymmetrical conditions can lead to stalling characteristics that affect both wings. Hence, even if one wing appears to stall first, it can lead to a situation where the overall stability of the aircraft is compromised, which is where the notion of "both wings are stalled" can manifest