B737 Undifferentiated or Other Model
Troubleshooting; Communication Breakdown; Training / Qualification
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Release Refused / Aircraft Not Accepted; General Maintenance Action
Weather; Human Factors; Company Policy; Procedure
After de-icing we noticed a thick layer of clear ice remaining on the First Officer number 3 window. The flight attendants reported the same on the right side cabin windows. We asked the deice crew to return and remove all ice from the aircraft a second time. After we were told the post flight inspection was complete; I went back to the cabin to check as an added precaution. I found large patches of thick clear ice adhering to the upper surfaces of both wings; particularly thick at the root. I asked the crew to return and remove the remaining ice. After this step I found the roots clean but the outboard third of the left wing still encased in ice. After returning again they cleaned the wing. The Inspector was on frequency during this but was evidently not inspecting properly. The massive amount of ice missed by the ground crew was alarming. Their inexperience with deicing must have contributed. Why a more stringent inspection wasn't done is troubling. At least 8 or 9 aircraft moved through this process prior to us very quickly with presumably the same thick layer of ice from having sat at the gate through the previous evening's freezing rain. Our aircraft held up the deice line for 20 minutes or more I would assume. I also assume the previous aircraft were sent through and cleared with ice remaining on them. I am very upset about the danger these flight crews were unaware of. I'm not talking about an insignificant layer of frost. This was heavy and thick clear ice. Hopefully someone with authority noticed our logjam and discovered the error so subsequent aircraft were serviced safely.
A B737 which sat overnight in an ice storm was not properly de-iced and after the Inspector did not detect the omission; the flight remained in the de-ice area until the crew was sure all contaminants were removed.