What is a potential risk associated with an excessive forward center of gravity during takeoff and landing?

An excessive forward center of gravity during takeoff and landing can lead to a phenomenon known as wheelbarrowing, where the aircraft pivots around the main landing gear. This can occur because the aircraft's nose wants to rise but is held down due to the weight distribution being too far forward. In this scenario, if the pilot applies too much back pressure on the control yoke or stick, the aircraft may experience a propeller strike, particularly during landing or when transitioning from ground to flight. This risk significantly increases the chance of damaging the aircraft as the propeller is not designed to strike the ground.

In contrast, having a forward center of gravity can affect aircraft performance, but it is not advantageous in terms of fuel efficiency or reducing takeoff distance. Additionally, while stalling is a critical consideration for pilots, a more forward center of gravity typically affects the stall characteristics and recovery, but not necessarily leads to stalling from a lower altitude as indicated in the other choices. Thus, being aware of the appropriate center of gravity limits is crucial for safe aircraft operation during critical phases such as takeoff and landing.