Icing

Icing is the deposit of ice on an aircraft. It occurs when aircraft fly through regions of supercooled liquid water, which freezes on the aircraft. The impact of icing depends on its intensity. Light icing may not be a problem for short flights, while moderate icing can impact even short encounters and require the use of anti-icing equipment. When severe icing is present, anti-icing equipment may not be able to keep up with it and pilots must immediately divert away from the area.

Icing can also increase the weight of an aircraft, which increases drag and decreases lift; interfere with tubes and antennas, causing ruptures or breaks; reduce visibility through windshields; and cause engines to fail when ingested.