Low Clouds and Fog

November in the U.S. means the risks from thunderstorms have disappeared everywhere except the Gulf Coast region as a new set of problems emerge, from icing to turbulence to low clouds, fog, and high winds. A breakdown of accident statistics helps tell us where to focus our attention first. Using a 2003-2007 study, we find that where weather was a cause or contributing factor, low ceilings and visibility were the #2 factors, involved in 18 percent of all weather-related accidents.

Tim Vasquez

Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Low ceilings, poor visibility, and fog are identified as primary weather hazards in colder months, significantly contributing to aviation accidents, particularly for Part 135 (charter) operations.
Understanding the specific formation and characteristics of different fog types (e.g., radiation, advection) and the nuances of ceiling and visibility measurements is crucial, along with recognizing limitations of automated weather systems (ASOS).
Aviation safety depends on thorough pre-flight weather briefings, strategic planning for alternates based on weather patterns, and continuous development of meteorological expertise and situational awareness.

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Using a 2003-2007 study, we find that where weather was a cause or contributing factor, low ceilings and visibility were the #2 factors, involved in 18 percent of all weather-related accidents. Most of this involved continued VFR flight into IMC, which shouldn’t be a factor for instrument-rated pilots. Other weather-related causes were a wide assortment of factors from lightning, icing, and turbulence to carb icing, high density altitude, and wind shear. But only high winds and crosswinds exceeded the threat posed by low ceilings and visibility.