What is a significant impact of freezing rain on aviation?

Freezing rain poses a serious hazard to aviation primarily due to its ability to cause ice accumulation on aircraft surfaces. When rain falls and then freezes upon contact with colder surfaces, including the wings, tail, and fuselage of an aircraft, it creates a layer of ice. This accumulation of ice disrupts the aerodynamics of the aircraft, which can significantly impact its lift and drag characteristics, and potentially lead to control difficulties during flight.

Ice on wings can alter the shape and smoothness of the airfoil, decreasing the aircraft's ability to generate lift and potentially leading to stalling, particularly during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Moreover, ice accumulation on control surfaces can impair maneuverability and responsiveness of the aircraft.

In addition to operational impacts, the presence of ice can also necessitate additional pre-flight checks, de-icing procedures, and delays, all of which contribute to potential safety risks. Thus, understanding the effects of freezing rain is essential for maintaining safe aviation operations.