What wind conditions can lead to severe turbulence during approach and landing?

Severe turbulence can be significantly influenced by wind conditions, particularly during approach and landing phases of flight. Crosswinds, especially when gusty or turbulent, create a challenging environment for pilots.

When a plane approaches the runway with crosswinds, the aircraft can experience abrupt changes in wind direction and speed, commonly referred to as wind shear. This scenario can lead to a loss of control if the pilot does not adjust adequately to the wind conditions. Additionally, gusty crosswinds can cause the aircraft to sway side to side, making it difficult to maintain stable flight and requiring continual adjustments to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway.

Other wind conditions mentioned—such as light winds with clear skies, tailwinds with overcast skies, and headwinds with stable air—do not typically create the same level of turbulence. Light winds are generally calm and less disruptive, while stable air associated with headwinds tends to promote smoother flying conditions. Tailwinds, while potentially changing the approach dynamics, do not inherently contribute to turbulence under stable conditions. Thus, gusty crosswinds stand out as the primary factor that can lead to severe turbulence during crucial flight stages like approach and landing.