Why Ice on an Airplane’s Wings Is So Dangerous

It has been one week since nine people perished after a small plane went down in Palm Beach County, Florida. While the investigation into what caused the crash is still ongoing, the early evidence suggests that it may have been icing that led to the tragedy. Here is a look at this hidden danger.

Icing Singled Out as Potential Cause of Florida Plane Crash

Aircraft icing is considered to be one of the most dangerous conditions for flight crews and passengers. Ice that forms on an aircraft's wings inherently reduces the plane's aerodynamic capabilities, increasing the threat of an accident.

Nine people died on Sunday, November 1, when a Learjet 60 broke apart in mid-air and then spiraled to the ground. The plane created a massive crater in the ground when it crashed in a residential area in Greenacres, along Florida's Space Coast.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation. However, the crew reported icing conditions just minutes before the incident.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that aircraft icing is one of the major weather dangers in the aviation field. Ice accumulation on the wings naturally increases the weight of a plane. This extra weight reduces lift and thrust, compromising the ability of a plane to maintain a steady speed and altitude. In addition, ice building up on the aircraft can impair engine performance and disrupt the function of flight instruments and critical communication systems.

According to NASA, ice forms on an aircraft when its external surfaces collide with water droplets that are in liquid form even if the temperatures are below freezing. These are known in scientific circles as supercooled water droplets.

Areas with mountains are more likely to present icing danger. The FAA explains that some of the most severe icing conditions happen above ridges on the windward side of mountain ranges.