During what conditions is wind shear most dangerous?

Wind shear is most dangerous during takeoff and landing due to the proximity of the aircraft to the ground and the critical phases of flight involved. During these phases, pilots are maneuvering at lower altitudes and at slower speeds, which gives them less time to react to sudden changes in wind speed and direction.

In these conditions, wind shear can cause abrupt changes in lift, potentially leading to loss of control or insufficient performance in maintaining the desired flight path. During takeoff, an aircraft is trying to achieve the necessary speed to become airborne, and if wind shear occurs, it could hinder that process or even result in loss of lift. Similarly, during landing, any unexpected downdrafts or wind changes can lead to a dangerous situation, making it challenging for pilots to maintain the correct approach and landing speed.

While wind shear can occur in various conditions, its impact is most pronounced in the critical phases surrounding takeoff and landing, where pilots are at their most vulnerable and have limited altitude for error correction.