From
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lift_(force)
A fluid flowing past the surface of a body exerts surface force on it. Lift is the component of this force that is perpendicular to the oncoming flow direction.[1] It contrasts with the drag force, which is the component of the surface force parallel to the flow direction
Consider an extreme case of a very flat spin where the angles of attack are approaching 90 deg. Not a lot of lift at all. A lot of drag and it is acting pretty much vertically upwards. Flat plate Cd around 1.0 from memory so you can roughly calculate the vertical velocity needed for drag to equal weight.
Some-one can then consider whether that vertical velocity is survivable. Tiger Moth per abgd, apparently, with its low wing loading.