No, planes don't typically drop ice.
While some might think this is possible due to the freezing temperatures at high altitudes, there are a few reasons why this doesn't happen:
- Ice is primarily on the outside of the plane: The ice that forms on planes is usually on the wings, fuselage, and other external surfaces. This ice is caused by the freezing of water droplets that come into contact with the plane's surface.
- Ice is removed during de-icing: Before takeoff, planes are often de-iced to remove any accumulated ice. This process uses specialized equipment and fluids to melt or break off the ice.
- Ice is not a standard part of aircraft design: Planes are not designed to carry or drop ice. They are built with specific systems and materials to prevent ice formation and ensure safe flight.
However, there are some exceptions:
- Ice pellets can form during flight: In some cases, ice pellets can form in the air and get sucked into the plane's engines. These pellets can cause damage to the engines, but they are not dropped from the plane.
- Some planes are used for research: Some research planes are equipped with instruments that can collect ice samples from the atmosphere. These planes may drop ice pellets collected during their research flights, but this is not a common practice.
In conclusion, while planes can experience ice formation, they do not typically drop ice. This is because the ice is usually on the outside of the plane and is removed during de-icing. Additionally, planes are not designed to carry or drop ice.
