What happens when flying into a microburst?

When flying into a microburst, the dynamics of the air are quite complex due to the sudden and intense downdrafts associated with this phenomenon. As an aircraft approaches a microburst, it experiences a significant increase in performance primarily due to the rising air, which can be misleadingly perceived as a favorable condition. This occurs because the aircraft may gain additional lift from the updrafts, leading to a temporary enhancement of its performance.

However, as the aircraft exits the microburst and encounters the downdraft, it experiences a substantial decrease in performance. The downburst can create a rapid loss of lift, which may result in a dramatic and unsafe situation for the aircraft. This sudden change in performance capability makes the microburst extremely dangerous, often leading to difficult and critical flying conditions.

Therefore, the correct understanding is that there is an increase in performance while entering a microburst, but once the aircraft is within or exits the microburst, performance deteriorates sharply. This highlights the need for pilots to be particularly cautious and well-trained in recognizing and responding to such hazardous conditions.