What part on an aircraft is likely to accumulate ice before any other?

The carburetor is the component on an aircraft that is likely to accumulate ice before any other part. This occurs due to the principles of adiabatic cooling, where the air expands and cools as it passes through the carburetor, particularly during the fuel-air mixing process. When the air temperature drops, moisture within the air can condense and freeze, as the carburetor operates under conditions that are conducive to ice formation, especially in colder atmospheric conditions or when operating at high humidity.

In addition to the cooling effect, the carburetor's design and interaction with the fuel can lead to significant temperature drops, thus enhancing the chance of ice formation. This ice can disrupt the fuel flow and affect engine performance, making it critical for pilots and maintenance crews to monitor and manage the risk of carburetor icing, particularly during takeoff and landing.

While the other components, such as the wing leading edge, fuel pump, and propeller blades, can also be affected by ice accumulation, the carburetor is particularly susceptible due to the specific thermodynamic reactions and air flow dynamics occurring within it.