Which of the following is a potential result of poor weight and balance in a helicopter?

Compromised stability and control is a significant potential result of poor weight and balance in a helicopter. When a helicopter is not properly balanced, it can lead to unintended changes in performance characteristics. For instance, if the center of gravity is too far forward or too far aft, it can affect how the helicopter handles in flight. This imbalance can make the helicopter harder to control, which could result in excessive nose-up or nose-down attitudes, possibly leading to dangerous flight conditions. Proper weight distribution is crucial for maintaining aerodynamic efficiency, control responsiveness, and overall flight safety, making this option the most critical consequence of poor weight and balance management.

The other outcomes, such as improved fuel efficiency or shorter landing distances, would typically not occur as a result of unbalanced conditions; in fact, they are more associated with correct weight and balance management. Increased operational costs can occur, but they are more indirect consequences of the operational inefficiencies and increased maintenance issues arising from compromised stability and control.