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While bad weather may have caused the crash of GE 222, the chief pilot of the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology, Liu Qinggui, says many factors could have caused a plane to go down.

"Extreme weather caused by a typhoon, such as thunderstorms, torrential rains, and strong gales¹, can all affect a flight’s performance or even become a deadly threat to its safety. From my personal experience, the plane may have been hit by wind shear² causing it to fall into the ground from a high altitude," Liu said.

As Liu mentioned, wind shear refers to turbulent air over an airport runway. Wind shear can significantly effect take-offs and landings, and has been a sole or contributing cause of many aircraft accidents. Liu also said during bad weather the crew of a flight has to take into consideration the aircraft’s performance ability and their own technical skills. Liu said if the aircrew isn’t confident they can land safely, the captain should request a landing at another airport.