Where does a swept wing typically stall first?

A swept wing typically stalls first at the wing tip. This phenomenon occurs due to the aerodynamic effects present in swept wings, which are designed to delay the stall at the root compared to the tip. As the angle of attack increases, airflow separates first at the wing tip, leading to an initial stall in that area. The wing root, conversely, is designed to maintain lift for longer, contributing to the wing's overall aerodynamic efficiency and stability.

This stall progression is critical in aircraft design as it impacts the handling characteristics of the aircraft. If the tips stall first, it allows the pilot to maintain aileron control longer and helps prevent the aircraft from rolling uncontrollably in the event of a stall. Moreover, knowing this behavior is essential for pilots to manage their aircraft properly during critical flight situations.