What is the outcome of ice accumulation on the airfoil?

Ice accumulation on the airfoil leads to a degradation in performance due to the physical changes it induces on the airfoil's surface. When ice forms, it disrupts the smooth flow of air over the wings, which is critical for maintaining lift. The presence of ice alters the airfoil's shape, increasing drag and reducing the efficiency of the wing.

As lift decreases and drag increases, the aircraft may experience difficulties in maintaining altitude and can require greater power settings to achieve the same performance, which can lead to potentially hazardous flight conditions. Additionally, ice can affect control surfaces and their responsiveness, further impairing the aircraft's handling characteristics.

Understanding the effects of ice on airfoil performance is crucial for aviation safety, as it can lead to severe complications during flight operations if not mitigated properly. Thus, the correct outcome of ice accumulation on the airfoil is indeed a degradation in performance.