NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
The microburst - Hazard to aircraftIn encounters with microbursts, low altitude aircraft first encounter a strong headwind which increases their wing lift and altitude; this phenomenon is followed in short succession by a decreasing headwind component, a downdraft, and finally a strong tailwind that catastrophically reduces wing lift and precipitates a crash dive. It is noted that the potentially lethal low altitude wind shear of a microburst may lie in apparently harmless, rain-free air beneath a cloud base. Occasionally, such tell-tale signs as localized blowing of ground dust may be sighted in time. Microbursts may, however, occur in the heavy rain of a thunderstorm, where they will be totally obscured from view. Wind shear may be detected by an array of six anemometers and vanes situated in the vicinity of an airport, and by Doppler radar equipment at the airport or aboard aircraft.
Document ID
19840061121
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Mccarthy, J.
(National Center for Atmospheric Research Boulder, CO, United States)
Serafin, R.
(National Center for Atmospheric Research Boulder, CO, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Weatherwise
Volume: 37
ISSN: 0043-1672
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
84A43908
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DOT-FA01-82-Y-10513
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER H-59314-B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available