Numerical Simulations and Trajectory Analyses of Local “Karakkaze” Wind: A Case That Could Have Contributed to an Aircraft Accident at Narita Airport on 23 March 2009

Abstract

We conducted numerical simulations on a case of local "Karakkaze" wind on 23 March 2009. On this day, an aircraft crashed on landing at Narita Airport in the eastern Kanto Plain in Japan in the early morning when surface winds were significantly strengthened. Numerical simulations were used to elucidate the characteristics and mechanism of the strong wind over the Kanto Plain. This strong 2 Usui et al., Numerical Simulations and Trajectory Analyses of Local "Karakkaze" Windwind was identified as the Karakkaze wind, which occurs in the lee of the convex mountain range northwest of the Kanto Plain. The vertical shear associated with the Karakkaze wind could cause strong turbulence near the surface. The results of a sensitivity experiment suggest that the presence of the mountain convexity is essential for the development of the Karakkaze wind. Backward trajectory analyses reveal the area where the Karakkaze wind originated upstream of the mountain range. The horizontal wind speed in this area is even weaker than in the northern area. However, unlike in the northern area, the air with large momentum descends from altitudes much higher than the height of the dividing streamline owing to the mountain convexity, thereby driving strong surface winds in the leeward area.