Common denominator of three weather-related aircraft accidentsThree aircraft accidents are analyzed to gain an understanding of thunderstorm-related downbursts, or extremely rapid downdrafts, which interfered with takeoff or landing maneuvers in each of the three cases. For the purposes of this study, downbursts are defined as having downward speeds greater than 3.6 m/sec at 91 m altitude, and diameters of 800 m or greater. Few of the strongest downdrafts investigated reach the intensity of a downburst. The downburst cells mature about 5-10 minutes after formation, and are generally no more than 3-4 miles in diameter at maturity. A spearhead echo is found to be associated with each of the downburst-caused accidents.
Document ID
19780056229
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Fujita, T. T. (Chicago, University Chicago, Ill., United States)
Caracena, F. (NOAA, Environmental Research Laboratories, Boulder Colo., United States)