What is the main risk associated with microbursts for aircraft?

Microbursts are rapid, localized downdrafts of air that occur during thunderstorms, leading to intense vertical downdrafts that can significantly impact aircraft performance. When an aircraft encounters a microburst, it can experience sudden changes in wind direction and strength, leading to a loss of lift that can be critical during takeoff or landing phases. The intense downward movement in a microburst can push an aircraft downwards sharply, often beyond what a pilot can counteract quickly enough.

This phenomenon is particularly hazardous because it can occur with little or no warning, and the rapid shifts in wind direction associated with a microburst can also create hazardous conditions for departing or arriving flights. While other factors such as low visibility and high-speed wind formations may pose risks in aviation, the unique characteristics of microbursts—specifically their intense vertical downdrafts—represent the primary danger to aircraft in those scenarios. Understanding the behavior of microbursts is essential for pilots and air traffic controllers to mitigate risks associated with these severe weather events.