What happens to the altimeter if the static port is blocked by ice?

What happens to the altimeter if the static port is blocked by ice?

• A. The altimeter becomes non-functional
• B. It remains at the altitude where the blockage occurred
• C. It will show a lower altitude than actual
• D. It will read an incorrect altitude based on temperature

Answer: (B)

When the static port becomes blocked by ice, it prevents the altimeter from receiving accurate static pressure data, which is essential for determining altitude. In this situation, the altimeter will freeze at the altitude where the blockage occurred because it cannot adjust to changes in ambient pressure. As the aircraft climbs or descends, the pressure changes outside the aircraft won't be communicated to the altimeter due to the obstruction, causing it to indicate the same altitude indefinitely. This illustrates the importance of a functioning static port in accurately measuring and reporting altitude during flight.

When the static port becomes blocked by ice, it prevents the altimeter from receiving accurate static pressure data, which is essential for determining altitude. In this situation, the altimeter will freeze at the altitude where the blockage occurred because it cannot adjust to changes in ambient pressure. As the aircraft climbs or descends, the pressure changes outside the aircraft won't be communicated to the altimeter due to the obstruction, causing it to indicate the same altitude indefinitely. This illustrates the importance of a functioning static port in accurately measuring and reporting altitude during flight.