Microburts

[Autothrust Blue]

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Without doubt the funniest thing I've seen all day.

 

[mrivc211]

Back in 05 I think it was, while holding short in LAS, number 40 something, an airplane waiting in line with us announced a microburst on the approach end of 25L. The tower did and said nothing. WN elected to go around on their own on final approach. The next aircraft on approach was alerted of the "pilot report"(which was given in a sarcastic tone by the tower) was a UAL A320. After flaring for 5000+ feet and several near wing tip strikes, they went around without ever touching the ground. They flared 10-20' above the ground for 5-6000 feet.

The airport was then closed for about 10-15 minutes.

 

[zmiller4]

Doesn't sound like a microburst, more like a strong thermal! The rides through a microburst is not so rough, normally. It is more of a "set up", with the headwind portion leading someone to pull the power back, followed by the downdraft and then, the worst part, the strong tailwind shear.

This sounds exactly like my (limited) experience with microbursts. Not a lot of warning in that particular airplane, but we had a smooth ride and the first indication was actually an RA with a helicopter flying under the final approach course. After that it was like an elevator ride down.