Singapore Airlines aircraft was the first reported fatality since 2011 due to Wind shear.
About Wind Shear:
- Wind shear refers to the change in wind speed and/or direction over a short distance in the atmosphere.
- It can occur horizontally or vertically and is a critical factor in meteorology and aviation.
- Types: There are two main types of wind shear: vertical and horizontal.
- Vertical wind shear involves changes in wind speed or direction with altitude, while horizontal wind shear involves changes across a horizontal plane.
- Causes:
- Weather Fronts: Differences in temperature and pressure between weather fronts can create significant wind shear.
- Thunderstorms: Updrafts and downdrafts within thunderstorms can produce severe vertical wind shear.
- Jet Streams: Narrow bands of strong winds in the upper atmosphere, known as jet streams, can create horizontal wind shear.
- Impacts on Aviation: Wind shear is particularly dangerous for aircraft during takeoff and landing, as it can lead to sudden changes in airspeed and direction, causing control difficulties.
Ref: Source
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