How would you recognize and re-correct an inadvertent stall at low altitude with a significant bank?

• A. Lowering the nose to increase speed but not adjusting bank
• B. Accelerating aggressively
• C. Buffet and nose drop indicate an inadvertent stall; push the nose down to reduce angle of attack, roll wings level, and apply power
• D. Pulling back on the stick to gain altitude

Answer: (C)

When you’re in an inadvertent stall with a significant bank, the key is to promptly reduce the angle of attack, regain airspeed, and stop the turn so you can recover cleanly. Buffet or a sudden nose-down feel are warnings that the wings have lost sufficient lift. Start by pushing the nose down to reduce the angle of attack and restore smooth airflow over the wings. This is the essential first step because lifting the nose back up or trying to “pull through” the stall only deepens it and makes recovery harder, especially at low altitude.

Once the aircraft is in a lower AOA and the wings are starting to regain lift, roll the wings level to reduce the bank. A wings-level attitude helps stop the turning and prevents loss of more altitude from a steep bank. With the wings relatively level, apply power to build speed and energy, which improves control effectiveness and stabilizes the aircraft for further recovery and return to straight-and-level flight.