How does a bank angle affect stall speed?

When an aircraft is banked, the load factor increases, which in turn raises the stall speed. This is due to the fact that in a banked turn, the aircraft must generate additional lift to counteract the increased weight due to the load factor, which is a result of the bank angle. The stall speed is defined as the minimum speed at which the aircraft can maintain level flight, and when the load factor increases, the aircraft requires a higher speed to produce enough lift to stay airborne. Therefore, as the bank angle increases, the stall speed also increases, making it crucial for pilots to be aware of their aircraft's stall speed at various bank angles, especially during maneuvers that require significant banking.

While stall speed is indeed influenced by the weight of the aircraft, the primary factor that raises stall speed in a banked turn is the increased load factor associated with the bank angle. Thus, the correct understanding is that stall speed increases with increased bank angle, which is fundamental for safe aircraft operations during turns.