In helicopters, a hazardous flight condition where the retreating blade stalls due to excessive angle of attack. Retreating blade stall occurs at high forward airspeeds and is one of the factors limiting helicopter airspeed. Retreating blade stall is more likely to occur when the following conditions exist at high forward airspeed:
The stall reaction is rapid and violent resulting in pitch up and roll towards the retreating blade. In most cases recovery is not possible.
References
Basic Helicopter Handbook, US Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration
