Can a plane crash from turbulence and wind gusts?

[hammertime]

I took a recent flight from LAX to SFO on an Airbus 319 and noticed that there was a lot more turbulence than normal. So much so that the plane had to fly at its service ceiling, and even then, there was a good amount of shaking. I even had a mini panic attack and had to call a flight attendant. He said that the plane could handle the turbulence, but passengers inside couldn't, which is why we had to wear seatbelts. It calmed me a bit, but it was still pretty scary.

And I couldn't help but remember about a plane crash I had heard about on the Discovery Channel about a plane that was coming into Denver for landing, but was forced into a nosedive (and crashed) due to a sudden gust of wind.

So my questions are:

1) Can a plane crash from turbulence?
2) How about that strong gust-of-wind scenario?

It's sad because I used to enjoy flying so much and laughed whenever I heard of people being scared of flying. But now, it's gotten to the point where even the slightest shake, especially during a turn or takeoff, scares me.

I just hope its all in my head.

 

[stewartcs]

1) Can a plane crash from turbulence?

I suppose anything is possible, but this is not probable. Air craft are designed to withstand turbulence.

2) How about that strong gust-of-wind scenario?

I'm not familiar with this incident, but it sounds like wind shear instead of a gust of wind.

Wind shear can indeed cause a plane to crash.

Check out this link for some more information...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wind_shear

BTW, the FAA requires all commercial planes to have wind shear detection systems now a days so it's very unlikely that one would go down in this day an age due to wind shear...but it's possible.

 

[ravenprp]

1) Can a plane crash from turbulence?

While turbulence can be unsettling and cause discomfort for passengers, it is very unlikely that a plane would crash solely due to turbulence. Modern airplanes are designed and built to withstand turbulence and can handle a lot more than what passengers may experience during a flight. In fact, pilots are trained to fly through turbulence and have procedures in place to maintain control of the aircraft. As the flight attendant mentioned, the seatbelt sign is turned on during turbulence to ensure the safety of passengers and prevent any injuries from sudden jolts. So while it may be scary, rest assured that the plane is designed to withstand turbulence and the pilots are trained to handle it.

2) How about that strong gust-of-wind scenario?

Strong gusts of wind, also known as wind shear, can pose a risk to aircraft during takeoff and landing. However, modern airplanes are equipped with advanced technology and systems that can detect and compensate for wind shear, making it safer for planes to fly through. In the rare event that a plane does encounter wind shear, pilots are trained to react quickly and make the necessary adjustments to safely navigate through it. So while it may be a scary scenario, rest assured that pilots are prepared to handle it and the plane is equipped to withstand it.

It's completely understandable to feel scared or anxious during a flight, especially if it's a bumpy one. However, it's important to trust in the technology and training of the pilots and the capabilities of the aircraft. It's also important to remember that flying is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation. So try to relax and enjoy the flight, and know that you are in good hands.