What happens to lift and drag when icing occurs on the wings?

When icing occurs on the wings, the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft is significantly affected. Ice accumulates on the wing surfaces, changing their smooth profiles and creating roughness. This disrupts the airflow over the wings, leading to a reduction in lift and an increase in drag.

As ice builds up, the shape of the airfoil is altered, which can lead to a stall at lower speeds or higher angles of attack than would normally be experienced without ice. The increase in drag is due to the disrupted airflow, which requires more energy for the aircraft to maintain its flight path. Therefore, as the efficiency of the wings declines, the lift generated becomes insufficient to counteract the aircraft's weight, while drag increases due to the increased turbulence and surface roughness caused by the ice.

This interaction between lift and drag during icing conditions can create dangerous flying situations, making it critical for pilots to be aware of the potential for these changes in performance when flying in conditions conducive to ice formation.