What action is recommended if ice accumulates on the wings during flight?

Activating anti-ice procedures before takeoff is essential for ensuring safe flight operations in conditions where ice may be present on the wings. Ice accumulation can significantly degrade the aerodynamic performance of the aircraft, affecting lift and control. By following the recommended anti-ice procedures, pilots prevent ice from forming on critical surfaces during flight, enhancing safety and performance.

During pre-flight checks and before takeoff, activating the anti-ice systems helps to remove any existing ice and maintains the wings' aerodynamic properties essential for safe flying. This proactive approach is critical as once ice has formed during flight, it can lead to serious safety issues, including stall conditions and loss of control.

The other options do not address the vital need to prevent ice accumulation effectively. Increasing airspeed may temporarily help with lift but does not resolve the underlying issue of ice on the wings. Descending to a lower altitude may not necessarily alleviate icing conditions. Performing a hard landing is not a safe or effective method for removing ice and could lead to further complications during landing.