What Happened
A Reddit user posted a question in the “Explain Like I’m Five” forum asking why thin ice on airplane wings poses such significant safety risks, sharing a photo of a wing surface covered with what appeared to be rough white frost or ice buildup. The question specifically asked about the physics behind why this matters for takeoff safety and how airlines make de-icing decisions on the ground.
The post generated significant discussion about aviation safety protocols, with users sharing explanations about the critical relationship between wing surface conditions and flight safety. The example photo showed the type of ice contamination that would require mandatory de-icing treatment before takeoff.
Why It Matters
Airplane wings work by creating a pressure difference between their top and bottom surfaces - smooth airflow over the curved upper surface creates lower pressure above the wing than below it, generating lift. Even a thin layer of ice or frost disrupts this carefully engineered airflow pattern by changing the wing’s shape and surface texture.
This disruption can reduce lift by 25-40% and increase drag significantly, creating a potentially catastrophic situation during takeoff when aircraft need maximum performance. Unlike in flight, where planes have altitude and speed to recover from problems, takeoff offers no margin for error - aircraft are heavy with fuel, moving relatively slowly, and have limited runway remaining.
The aviation industry learned this lesson through tragic accidents. Air Florida Flight 90 crashed during takeoff from Washington National Airport in 1982, killing 78 people, partly due to ice contamination on the wings that wasn’t properly addressed. This and similar accidents led to strict protocols that treat any visible ice contamination as an absolute no-go condition.
Background
Modern de-icing procedures evolved from decades of aviation safety improvements and accident investigations. Airlines use two main approaches: de-icing (removing existing ice) and anti-icing (preventing ice formation). Ground crews apply heated glycol-based fluids that both melt existing ice and provide temporary protection against new ice formation.
The decision-making process follows strict federal regulations and airline protocols. Ground crews and pilots conduct visual inspections, checking for any contamination including ice, frost, snow, or even heavy condensation. Weather conditions, temperature trends, and precipitation all factor into the timing and type of treatment required.
Critically, onboard ice protection systems - like heated wing surfaces or pneumatic de-icing boots - are designed for in-flight conditions, not ground operations. These systems can’t handle the thick ice buildup that can occur while parked, and they’re not activated during ground operations for safety and operational reasons.
What’s Next
Aviation safety continues evolving with new technologies for ice detection and removal. Some airports are testing infrared detection systems that can identify ice contamination more precisely than visual inspections. Advanced weather monitoring helps predict icing conditions more accurately, allowing for proactive treatment.
For passengers, understanding these safety protocols explains why flights may be delayed during winter weather - what might look like minimal ice to an untrained eye represents a serious safety hazard that must be addressed before takeoff. The aviation industry’s “better safe than sorry” approach to ice contamination has contributed to commercial aviation’s exceptional safety record.
The Reddit discussion also highlights the value of public education about aviation safety. When passengers understand why certain procedures are necessary, they’re more likely to support the safety-first approach that sometimes causes delays but prevents accidents.