2025-06 · NASA ASRS report 2255136
CRJ550 flight crew reported windshear encounter caused an unstable approach and momentary loss of aircraft control.
We were on the final approach into XXL into ZZZ with a thunderstorm approaching the area. On short final approach we were crossing through 1000' AGL where we experienced a 30 knot gain in airspeed and promptly executed a normal go around due to being unstable. Upon executing the go around we experienced Windshear cautions and large gains in airspeed. We were told by ATC to turn to heading 090 and maintain 2000 feet. Upon reaching assigned altitude the aircraft was unable to maintain altitude due to the severe updrafts caused by the squall line moving into the area; we immediately notified ATC that we were unable to maintain 2000' so they then assigned us 3000' and had us switch frequencies to the next controller. Upon reaching the new assigned altitude I informed my First Officer (FO) who was pilot monitoring (PM) that I was unable to maintain 3000' as well and he promptly notified ATC. The controller then was assigning us headings until we were out of the updrafts and able to maintain assigned altitudes. We then flew a standard diversion to ZZZ1. Upon landing we debriefed and and spoke about how clear communication between the crew and ATC mitigated alot of the risk associated with not maintaining assigned altitudes during extreme weather events.
Operating Aircraft X ZZZ1-ZZZ when we were on short final for XXL when at 1000 feet; we experienced a 30kt gain of as a result of the thunderstorm that was covering half of the airport. We were unstable so we both agreed to initiate a go around and were given a left turn to 090 up to 2000. On the go around we experienced a persistent windshear caution and while trying to level off at 2000; a strong updraft kept us in a climb of a couple thousand feet a minute. As pilot monitoring; I pointed it out to the Captain and he said he was currently full forward on the yoke but the climb persisted. I notified ATC we were unable to maintain 2000 or an altitude due to the severe updrafts and they gave us 3000 and a frequency change. As I was checking in; we were still unable to level off so I alerted the new controller we were unable to maintain 3000 and he instead gave us headings. By the time the updrafts died down; we were able to get the climb under control at 4500 feet before descending back down as assigned. At that point we decided it would be safest to divert to ZZZ1 where we continued on with a standard diversion. Upon landing we debriefed and reiterated how important communication is with ATC during a weather event like this when we are unable to comply with an assignment for weather or safety reasons.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.
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