How can snow accumulation affect aircraft weight distribution?

Snow accumulation can significantly affect aircraft weight distribution because it may settle unevenly on the surfaces of the aircraft, particularly on the wings, tail, and fuselage. An imbalance in the distribution of snow can lead to changes in the center of gravity, which is crucial for stable flight. If a larger amount of snow accumulates on one side of the aircraft compared to the other, it can cause the aircraft to become unbalanced, impacting handling and control during takeoff and landing. Proper de-icing procedures must account for snow distribution to ensure that aircraft remain within safe weight and balance limits throughout their operation.

The other options do not accurately reflect the relationship between snow accumulation and aircraft weight distribution. For instance, claiming that snow accumulation has no effect on performance ignores the critical impact of balance in aircraft operation. Similarly, while snow does add weight, the option about increasing total takeoff weight overlooks the more prominent concern of imbalance caused by uneven accumulation. Lastly, stating that it improves flight stability contradicts the idea that unbalanced weight distribution can actually diminish stability and control.