Definition
The sudden loss of indicated airspeed and lift that occurs when an aircraft flies out of a headwind into calmer air or a tailwind, typically during a microburst or wind shear encounter. As the headwind component decreases, the aircraft's airspeed drops, lift reduces, and the airplane tends to sink below the intended flight path.
Plain English
When the wind blowing against the airplane suddenly weakens or reverses, the airplane loses airspeed and starts to sink. This is a dangerous moment, especially close to the ground.
Context Anchor
Seen in low-level wind shear discussions, especially during takeoff, approach, and landing close to the ground.
Why Pilots Care
A sudden headwind loss reduces lift and can cause an unexpected descent or stall if power is not added immediately to recover airspeed.
Grounding Statement
Picture running into a strong breeze and then having that breeze suddenly stop; for a moment, the support you were getting from the air is gone.
Intuition Check
Do not read “losses” as money or damage here. In this context, it means the headwind component becomes weaker or disappears.
Example Sentence 1
On short final, the crew briefed for possible headwind losses after the tower reported a thunderstorm cell moving across the airport.
Example Sentence 2
The takeoff briefing included expected headwind losses if the reported wind shear activated during rotation.