Plane slides on ice because of wind

  • Context: Undergrad 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Square1
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Ice Plane Wind
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the phenomenon of a plane being pushed on ice by wind, as observed in a video clip. Participants explore the forces at play, including wind strength, traction of the tires, and the effects of weight distribution on the aircraft's movement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the strength of the wind, suggesting that the lack of visible snow movement indicates it may not be strong, and proposes that the plane was likely empty with a slick layer of ice under the tires.
  • Another participant notes that the wind direction affects the aircraft's tail fin, potentially pushing the tail to one side and the nose to the other, but does not elaborate on the wind's strength.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the weight distribution on the aircraft may not significantly impact its movement, arguing that the wind would need to be strong enough to move the load in the back of the plane.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of leverage, stating that the tail fin's distance from the point of rotation could play a role in the aircraft's response to wind forces.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the strength of the wind and its effects on the aircraft's movement. There is no consensus on the factors contributing to the plane sliding on ice.

Contextual Notes

Participants discuss various assumptions regarding the aircraft's weight, wind strength, and surface conditions without resolving these uncertainties. The discussion reflects a range of hypotheses and interpretations based on observations from the video.

Square1
Messages
143
Reaction score
1
I found this clip on youtube of a plane getting pushed on ice due to strong winds. Have a look.



I guess I just want to hear some comments about what is reallly going on here. How we can estimate the force of the wind pushing, what chance the ramp agent has of holding the place himself if say he digs his heels into the ground, what kind of traction the tires have etc.

I think the winds were probably not that strong, especially since the snowflakes we can see are not racing across the screen, nor do I see and big clouds of snow from some large wind gusts in the frame. Consider the snow you would see kicked up even behind even a turboprop once it starts to move . Then compare with the winds seen here. I am tempted to say that the plane had to have been empty, and little/no fuel, and a real slick layer of ice was formed right under the tires (not snow), and the winds themselves were not that strong.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you look at the falling snow you can see the wind is blowing left to right. This is blowing on the vertical tail fin pushing the tail to the right and the nose to the left.

Most of the aircrafts weight is carried by the main wheels. The load on the nose wheel can sometimes be very light. In some cases aircraft have tipped onto their tail (nose wheel off the ground) when the loaders made a slight mistake.
 
Edit.

Ah ok I forgot the tail is presenting a large flat surface here..so that will add a bit more understanding.

I don't see how the distribution of the weight is a factor here though since even if the gust is on the tail, it would still need to be strong enough to move whatever is loaded in the back, so that the nose start to move too. Also you can't see any loose bits of clothing on the ramp attendants being vigorously blown, and they don't even seem to be affected by the wind at all (bracing themselves). Nor are other objects showing signs (curtains on cargo shuttle for example), therefore I still think the large strength of the wind is not the real surprising factor here. I'm thinking a very light aircraft at the time, indeed the large tail fin presenting a flat surface, and also exceptional icing under tires.
 
Last edited:
I believe the answer Is leverage. The fin is a long way from the point of rotation.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
24K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K