Which of the following factors increases the stalling IAS?

The stalling indicated airspeed (IAS) is the minimum speed at which an aircraft can maintain level flight without stalling, and it is influenced by various factors related to the aircraft's configuration and condition. When considering the impact of damage or ice accumulation on the wings, it's crucial to understand how these factors affect the aircraft's aerodynamics.

Ice accumulation or damage to the wings disrupts the smooth airflow over the wing surfaces. This disruption leads to an increase in drag and a decrease in the wings' ability to generate lift at lower airspeeds. As a result, the aircraft requires a higher indicated airspeed to achieve the necessary lift to counteract the weight and maintain controlled flight. This increase in the required speed for maintaining controlled flight at a higher stall speed effectively raises the stalling IAS.

In contrast, using less power during flight typically results in lower performance and may decrease the stall speed due to reduced aircraft drag and better overall efficiency at lower speeds. Extending flaps generally decreases stall speed by increasing lift at lower airspeeds. Reducing aircraft weight tends to lower the stall speed as well since it decreases the lift required to maintain level flight. Thus, these other options would not lead to an increase in stalling IAS.