Delta 191: 30 Years Ago Today

By -
For nearly two decades a debate had been raging in weather science: there was a small area of winds in some thunderstorms that flowed down then spread out near the ground with wind speeds accelerating to 50 to even 100+ mph. According to Dr. Ted Fujita, the originator of the hypothesis, they were responsible for a number of catastrophic airline crashes.

Shortly after 6pm, thirty years ago today, Delta Airlines Flight 191 crashed on approach at the north side of Dallas-Ft. Worth International Airport (DFW).  One hundred thirty-seven died, including a motorist on the way to his own birthday party. Below is a diagram of the flight path (orange arrow) and the plane being forced off the path by the 100 mph microburst winds.

After Delta 191, the political and scientific winds shifted and the FAA and meteorology got to work putting the scourge of wind shear crashes behind us. The last downburst crash was USAir 1016 in Charlotte in July, 1994.

Three chapters of Warnings: The True Story of How Science Tamed the Weather are devoted to Delta 191: How the crash occurred, the most important trial in aviation history and how Fujita and others made air travel much safer for all of us.

Comments

  1. TreyAugust 2, 2015 at 10:26 PM

    I was at Six Flags amusement park that same day, not too far south of DFW airport. We didn't have a bit of rain. When we got home, we were surprised to hear the news.

    Readers should definitely pick up Warnings. The book is a testament to unsung heroes of the type that sorely need to be acknowledged.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The East Coast Severe Weather Threat is Over

By -
Image
Midnight: The East Coast Threat for Tornadoes and Severe  Thunderstorms Has Ended 3:50pm. Tornado watch for the Middle Atlantic Region. 2:30pm Tornadoes are also forecast in the South. 2:20pm. A couple of tornadoes, hail and wind gusts to 65 mph are possible with these storms. This includes NYC and Philadelphia.  1:05pm. The tornado risk has been extended northward into New York. The brown area has a significant risk of tornadoes. Remember: if a tornado warning is issued, go to your basement and get under heavy furniture like a pool table. Of, if your basement is finished, get into the bathroom. Go ahead an put a couple of water bottles and, if appropriate, diapers in your shelter area. Wear shoes.  If you don't have a basement or safe room, go to the lowest floor and get into a bath or closet in the middle of your home. Children should be put in the bathtub.  I'll update later today. 
Read more

Today's Tornado and Severe Thunderstorm Outlook - 9:30pm

By -
Image
After 65 mph winds went through Wichita, we have been without power for 35 minutes. So, I am going to have to end coverage for the night (using backup systems to write this). Scroll down for the forecast of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms for Sunday and Sunday night.  Please read down for the latest forecasts regarding this dangerous tornado and damaging wind situation! 5:40pm, a new "regular" tornado watch has been issued for north central Kansas.  Note that wind gusts to 80 mph are likely in this storm in addition to tornadoes and giant hail. Please make sure friends and relatives in the area are aware of the danger in the area outlined in red below plus the red area outlined at 2:50pm  In addition to "several strong tornadoes," hail to 4.8" in diameter is forecast along with wind gusts to 80 mph. Now is the time for persons living in mobile homes, manufactured homes and those with mobility issues should be making plans!!  Do not wait until a tornado warn
Read more

Updated Freezing Rain and Heavy Rain Forecast

By -
Image
Note: An Updated Forecast is Available HERE Freezing Rain The National Weather Service has now issued winter weather advisories, two warnings and a watch. It may be a bit too large but, when it comes to freezing rain and slick roads, caution is usually the better course of action.  Here's a color code: Deep purple is an ice storm warning; serious condition where power outages are possible. Pink is a winter storm warning for significant icing. Deep green is a winter storm watch. I don't know why this is still a watch. If I were on the forecast desk I would have a winter storm warning for icing.  Dark blue is a winter weather advisory, a lesser condition, for icing.  Here is a view of the entire watch/warning/advisory area. The small area of green in Illinois is for flooding and, in Nebraska, for snow.  Here is a forecast of freezing rain amounts; totals to 6am Tuesday.  Color codes: Yellow is 0.25 to 0.50 inches. Power outages may occur in this areas. Deep blue is 0.1 to .25 inc
Read more