At what power setting is carburetor throttle ice more likely to occur?

Carburetor throttle ice is more likely to develop at a low power setting due to the dynamics of airflow and temperature within the carburetor. At low power settings, the engine produces less heat, which means that the intake air temperature may drop significantly. The cooling effect combined with the expansion of air as it passes through the throttle can lead to a reduction in temperature that approaches or drops below freezing, creating conditions favorable for ice formation.

Additionally, as airflow is restricted at lower throttle positions, there is less airflow to help dissipate any moisture present in the air-fuel mixture, further increasing the likelihood of ice. This phenomenon is critical for pilots to understand, as carburetor ice can significantly impact engine performance, leading to potential power loss or even engine failure if not attended to. Therefore, awareness of the conditions leading to throttle ice formation at low power settings is essential for safe aircraft operation.