What question did this study set out to answer?

Investigate the meteorological mechanisms and radar signatures responsible for three weather-related commercial aircraft accidents.

November 1, 1977Bulletin of the American Meteorological SocietyOpen Access

An Analysis of Three Weather-Related Aircraft Accidents

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TFTetsuya Theodore. FujitaHosei University FCF. CaracenaNOAA Earth System Research Laboratory

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Implication

Meteorological investigation reveals localized downburst cells and severe wind shear in three aircraft accidents, highlighting hazards during flight transitions.

Key Points

Investigate the meteorological mechanisms and radar signatures responsible for three weather-related commercial aircraft accidents.
Examined long-range National Weather Service radar imagery (130–205 km range) across three accident events from 1975 and 1976.
Analyzed local airborne and ground radar depictions to evaluate convective cell structure, echo motion, and wind characteristics along flight paths.
Identified distinct spearhead echoes located just north of each accident site that developed 5 to 50 minutes before the crashes and moved faster than surrounding echoes.
Detected localized circular convective cells measuring 3 to 5 km in diameter associated with intense downdrafts termed downbursts.
Established that all aircraft suffered unintended altitude loss caused by severe wind shear while operating inside downburst cells during climb or descent.

Cite This Study

Fujita et al. (1977) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a71019d2163a0a01bc5338a https://doi.org/10.1175/1520-0477(1977)058<1164:aaotwr>2.0.co;2

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Implication

Meteorological investigation reveals localized downburst cells and severe wind shear in three aircraft accidents, highlighting hazards during flight transitions.

An Analysis of Three Weather-Related Aircraft Accidents

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

An Analysis of Three Weather-Related Aircraft Accidents

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

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