The Importance Of Deicing

Deicing is the removal of the thin layer of ice or frost on the aircraft’s wing surface. During winter months, an aircraft idling on the ground can accumulate icing on its wings. The deicing procedure is performed before takeoff to ensure flight safety. What can a thin layer of ice or frost do to the mighty wings of the aircraft? It disrupts the airflow above the wing surface, resulting in a lack of aerodynamic lift. The wing’s inability to generate sufficient lift during flight can affect flight safety. In March 1989, Air Ontario Flight 1363 crashed shortly after takeoff from Dryden Regional Airport after the Fokker F28 failed to attain sufficient altitude to clear the terrain at the end of the runway. The build-up of snow and ice prevented the wings from generating sufficient lift, taking the lives of 21 out of 65 people onboard.