Which type of compressor stall has the greatest potential for severe engine damage?

The type of compressor stall that poses the greatest risk for severe engine damage is a steady, continuous flow reversal stall. This type of stall involves a persistent reversal of airflow in the compressor, which can lead to significant overheating as well as excessive pressure fluctuations within the engine. These conditions create an environment where the engine components are stressed beyond their design limits, increasing the likelihood of potential failure.

Unlike intermittent stalls that may self-correct without long-term damage, or transitional stalls that may lead to temporary performance degradation, a steady, continuous flow reversal stall can generate extreme operating conditions. This may cause damage to components such as the compressor blades, leading edges, and even the combustion chamber due to the extreme temperature and pressure variations that result from the flow reversal.

Additionally, during a continuous stall, the engine can experience issues such as increased vibration and uncontained failures that can result in catastrophic damage. Thus, mitigating the risk of this type of stall through careful monitoring and engine management is crucial for maintaining engine integrity and safety during flight operations.