Instrument Rating Checkride Practice Test

Flying into known icing conditions has serious implications for an aircraft's performance and safety. Ice accumulation on an aircraft can significantly increase weight due to the additional mass of the ice itself, which can adversely affect the aircraft's lift and control surfaces. This increase in weight leads to decreased performance, including a higher stall speed and reduced climb performance, as the aircraft needs more power to maintain its flight profile.

Moreover, ice on the wings and control surfaces can disrupt the airflow, leading to decreased lift and increased drag. This aerodynamic degradation can create handling difficulties, and in some cases, it may lead to a complete loss of control, especially if the ice built-up affects critical surfaces such as the wings or tail.

In summary, entering known icing conditions compromises safety by adding weight, reducing performance, and increasing the risk of an aerodynamic stall or loss of control, making option B the correct understanding of the consequences involved.