Why is clear icing considered particularly hazardous?

Clear icing is particularly hazardous primarily because it is difficult to detect and it alters the shape of the airfoil. This type of icing forms a smooth, transparent layer of ice that can blend in with the surface of the aircraft, making it visually undetectable to pilots during pre-flight checks or even in flight.

The formation of clear ice on wings and control surfaces disrupts the smooth airflow over the wing, which is crucial for maintaining lift. This alteration in the shape of the airfoil can lead to reduced lift and increased drag, potentially resulting in dangerous situations such as stall conditions. Since the ice is clear, pilots might not realize the extent of the accumulation until the aircraft's handling characteristics are noticeably affected, which adds to its hazard.

Additionally, unlike other types of ice, clear ice can bond strongly to the structure of the aircraft, making it harder to remove and more likely to persist, further impacting performance. This potential for serious performance degradation underscores the critical nature of recognizing and addressing clear icing conditions.