Slow Speed Flight Essay
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Liberty University *
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305
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Industrial Engineering
Date
Dec 6, 2023
Type
docx
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Uploaded by ColonelLightningHedgehog23
The accumulation of ice contamination on the upper wing surface and the runway had a
significant impact on the aircraft’s takeoff performance. According to the AC 91-74B, ice
buildup on a wing reducing the CL max by 30% is not uncommon. Since the accident aircraft
was sitting on the ramp for roughly 45 minutes in icing conditions at nearly max takeoff weight
and full of cold fuel, the accumulation of ice was likely. Given that neither pilot inspected the
wings with more than a glance, and de-icing was not requested or received, the likelihood of ice
buildup was even greater. The icing on the aircraft along with the contaminated runway made the
required takeoff roll longer than the longest runway available. However, the captain opted for a
performance takeoff, basing the figures on data that did not represent the current conditions.
While both pilots had significant time as pilot-in-command, their lack of winter weather
flight experience likely worked against them. Since both lived in Florida, their experience with
winter flight conditions was minimal, as the report suggests. In the report, the planned runway
was 10,000 ft. in length, but a snowplow was in the process of clearing the runway of snow.
Instead of waiting for the runway to be cleared, the pilot decided to take the shorter and closer
runway. The lack of winter weather experience, along with the assumption that the aircraft would
perform as it would in normal conditions, compounded the issue and made the decision to
takeoff even more dangerous.
The report noted if the crew looked at their manuals, they would have seen that current
weather conditions would require an 11,000 ft. takeoff roll, which was longer than any runway
available. While the aircraft was able to get airborne, it was not able to achieve a positive rate of
climb due to ice buildup and a high AOA. Unfortunately, once the aircraft left the ground, there
was not much the crew could have done to change the outcome of the flight. The only way to
change the outcome would be to delay takeoff until conditions improve.
Reference:
Badick, J. R., & Johnson, B. A. (2021).
Flight Theory and Aerodynamics
(4th ed.). Wiley
Professional Development (P&T).
https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9781119772415
AC 91-74B - pilot guide: Flight in icing conditions
. FAA. (n.d.).
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_91-74B.pdf
November 28, 2004 Montrose, Colorado - National Transportation Safety Board. (2006).
https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/AccidentReports/Reports/AAB0603.pdf
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