Originally Posted by
jurassicjockey
The Air Florida accident was caused by more than just wing contamination (definitely not fluffy white snow). They had EPR probe contamination as well resulting in a heavily reduced thrust takeoff. They had almost no experience or training in operating in icing conditions. Dry snow contamination is an allowed contaminant in Cnada at least. Have to verify that there is nothing underneath. FAA did allow frost accumulation on the top of the 737 wing for a very short period of time. Not sure if that was a paperwork mistake, however it was rescinded fairly quickly.
I’ll probably be flamed for saying this, but it’s gotten so that if a snowflake hits the wing, time to deice. At sub zero temps with dry snow falling, it was never a problem for years!
Another part of the Air Florida accident was that they taxied close to the aircraft in front of them hoping to “deice” with warm exhaust. It just made water that was allowed to freeze on the wing. Obviously making things much worse.