Which factors contribute to the formation of mixed ice on an aircraft?

The formation of mixed ice on an aircraft is primarily influenced by variations in liquid content, temperature, and droplet size. Mixed ice typically occurs when supercooled large droplets (SLD) collide with the aircraft’s surface, which can happen in conditions where there is a mix of ice and liquid water.

When the temperature is in the range where water can remain as a liquid despite being below freezing, larger droplets can exist because they have a higher terminal velocity and are less likely to freeze upon contact with the aircraft. If these droplets are mixed with a myriad of smaller droplets and varying temperatures in the environment, it increases the likelihood of mixed ice formation.

Understanding the characteristics of the environment, such as the size of the droplets and their state of matter, is crucial for predicting and managing the impacts of icing on flight safety. Hence, variations in liquid content, temperature, and droplet size play a critical role in the formation of mixed ice, making this the correct answer.