What is a primary consequence of pitot icing?

Pitot icing refers to the formation of ice on the pitot tube, which is an essential component of an aircraft's airspeed measurement system. When ice forms on the pitot tube, it obstructs the flow of air into the tube, leading to erroneous readings of airspeed. This blockage prevents the air pressure from accurately reflecting the aircraft's true airspeed, resulting in a loss of reliable airspeed information for the pilot.

Understanding the implications of loss of airspeed is crucial for pilots, as it can lead to dangerous flying conditions. If the pilot is unaware of the actual airspeed due to the pitot tube blockage, they may inadvertently fly the aircraft at stall speeds or misjudge necessary maneuvers, affecting safety and control.

The other choices do not directly correlate with the effects of pitot icing. For instance, increased altitude and improved climb rate suggest enhanced performance, which is not a consequence of pitot icing. Similarly, reduced engine power pertains to engine performance rather than airspeed readings. The primary and most critical consequence of pitot icing is indeed the loss of airspeed indication, which can have serious implications during flight operations.