What Causes Weather-Related Flight Hazards?

Weather can affect aviation in every season, and flight hazards often stem from a combination of atmospheric conditions and operational factors. Common weather-related risks include:

Types of Weather-Related Flight Hazards

Aircraft Icing

One of the most dangerous hazards occurs when ice accumulates on aircraft wings or engines. While icing is most common in cold weather, it can also occur at altitude or during certain storm conditions year-round. Ice disrupts airflow and reduces lift, which can compromise takeoff, flight stability, or landing.

Modern aircraft are equipped with advanced de-icing and anti-icing systems, but severe or rapidly changing weather can overwhelm even well-designed procedures.

Runway Conditions

Weather significantly affects runway safety. Rain, snow, ice, standing water, or slush can reduce braking effectiveness and directional control. Even when an aircraft is otherwise capable of flying safely, poor runway conditions can lead to delays, diversions, or—in rare but serious cases—runway excursions.

Low Visibility

Fog, heavy rain, snow, smoke, or blowing debris can sharply reduce visibility for pilots and ground crews. When visibility drops below regulated minimums, airports may suspend or limit operations until conditions improve, increasing the risk of delays and operational strain.

Turbulence and Severe Storms

Thunderstorms, high winds, wind shear, and clear air turbulence can create dangerous conditions during flight. Sudden turbulence may cause passenger injuries, while severe storms can force abrupt route changes or emergency landings.  Wind shear and high cross winds can be extremely dangerous during approach and landing.

Extreme Temperatures

Both hot and cold temperatures can stress aircraft systems. Extreme heat can affect engine performance and takeoff distances, while extreme cold can impact fuel systems, batteries, hydraulic components, and sensors. Prolonged exposure to harsh temperatures also increases wear on ground equipment and aircraft infrastructure.

What If a Weather-Related Aircraft Incident Affects Me or a Loved One?

Step 1 – Consider Speaking With an Attorney

If you or a family member are injured or experience significant property loss—such as luggage damage, trip disruption, or medical expenses resulting from negligence—you may want to consult an attorney familiar with aviation claims. While federal aviation agencies investigate the technical causes of incidents, an attorney focuses on identifying responsibility and protecting your rights in civil court.

Step 2 – Document Everything

Save boarding passes, delay notifications, photos, medical records, and communications from the airline. If the incident involved turbulence injuries, an emergency landing, runway issues, or equipment failure, these records can become critical. When safe and appropriate, gather contact information from witnesses.

Step 3 – Preserve Evidence

An attorney can help preserve important evidence—such as flight data, maintenance records, crew communications, and airport operations logs. These materials can be lost or overwritten quickly if not requested promptly.

Who May Be Liable?

Weather-related flight incidents often involve a complex interaction between natural conditions and human decision-making. Depending on the circumstances, liability may rest with different types of aviation companies:

• Airlines, for inadequate de-icing, improper maintenance, operational decisions, or crew error
• Airport authorities, for failing to maintain safe runway conditions or properly manage weather impacts
• Manufacturers, if a mechanical failure or design defect contributed to the incident

Determining responsibility requires a thorough investigation, which is why early documentation and legal guidance can be so important.