The Effect of Hoar-Frosted Wings on the Fokker 50 Take-Off Characteristics

Reviewed here is how contamination resulting from ice, snow, or frost accumulated during ground icing degrades the Fokker 50 aircraft aerodynamics and leads to reduced flight safety during takeoff. From simulation tests it was concluded that wing contamination due to ground frost seriously deteriorates the aircraft behavior in takeoff, leading to reduced flight safety. A large increase in takeoff distance is experienced. No improvement was found from cleaning the wing leading edge only or by increasing rotation speed. The results clearly demonstrate the importance of Advisory Circular AC 20-117 emphasizing the 'clean aircraft concept' under adverse weather conditions before takeoff.