Members of the 914th Airlift Wing deice a C-130 on the flightline January 4, 2011 Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, Niagara Falls, NY. When there are freezing conditions and precipitation, de-icing an aircraft is crucial. Frozen contaminants can make critical control surfaces rough and uneven, which can disrupt smooth air flow and greatly reduce the ability of the wing to generate lift. This situation can cause a crash. If large pieces of ice separate when the aircraft is in motion, they can be sucked into engines or damage propellers causing possible failure. Ice can jam control surfaces, preventing them from working properly. Because of this potentially severe consequence, de-icing is performed at airports where temperatures are likely to be around 0°C. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph McKee)