53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron
Parts of this article (those related to current commander) need to be updated.(May 2022) |
53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron | |
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Size | 10 aircraft, 20 flight crews |
Part of | Air Force Reserve Command |
Garrison/HQ | B-25/WB-25D Mitchell |
The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, also known by its nickname, Hurricane Hunters, is a flying unit of the
The squadron was activated in 1944 during World War II as the 3rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, tracking weather in the North Atlantic between North America and Europe. Redesignated the 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron in 1945, the term "Hurricane Hunters" was first applied to its activities in 1946. The 53rd became a part of the USAF before its inactivation in 1947, was reactivated in 1951 as a long range weather reconnaissance unit based in
The Hurricane Hunters of the Air Force Reserve are distinct from those of the
Concurrent with its operational mission, the 53rd WRS is also tasked with recruiting, organizing and training assigned personnel to perform aerial weather reconnaissance, and its air crews are qualified to handle tactical airlift missions.
History
Operational history
Hurricane hunting
Aerial reconnaissance of tropical storms first began in September 1935. In that year the
The
24 days later, on 19 August 1943, the AAF weather station at
53rd WRS history
The 53rd WRS was activated on 7 August 1944 at
From Gander, the squadron moved to New Hampshire; Florida;
On 18 September 1953, while based at Kindley, Bermuda, the squadron suffered its only mission-related loss of an aircraft, a WB-29.[d] Returning to base with a runaway propeller [clarification needed] on the inboard engine of the right wing, the propeller separated from its shaft and struck the engine beside it, causing both the wing and outboard engine to catch fire. The pilot ordered an immediate bailout, but the aircraft went out of control and only three of the 10-man crew survived.[15][e]
In 1965 the 53rd WRS became the first squadron of the Air Weather Service to operate the WC-130 after its designation as such, and from Ramey flew the first WC-130 Hurricane Hunter mission on 27 August 1965, penetrating the eye of Hurricane Betsy.[16]
In the 1970s, after its move to Keesler, the 53rd participated in two "firsts" in the changing of regulations to permit women to be qualify as aircrew. Sgt. Vickiann Esposito became the first female dropsonde operator and possibly the first fully qualified aircrew member (excepting flight nurses) in Air Force history, approved by Headquarters Air Force in December 1973 as a waiver of the regulation prohibiting the assignment of women, over the initial objections of the commanding general of the Air Mobility Command. In October 1977, after the regulation had been rescinded, 1st Lt. Florence Fowler became one of the first two women to be rated as navigators (now combat systems officers).[17][f]
In 1976, the
The WC-130H airframes flown by the 53rd WRS were originally built in 1964–65 as C-130Es. Hurricane Andrew had also demonstrated a need for upgraded models to continue the Hurricane Hunter mission, and funding for ten replacements was authorized by Congress in FY1998. On 11 October 1999, the 53rd WRS received its first Lockheed WC-130, and flew its first hurricane mission in the new model on 16 November, into Hurricane Lenny. Problems with the new model, primarily damage to its composite material 6-bladed propellers from hail and ice and a lack of sensitivity in its color radar images, delayed its Initial Operational Capability until just before the 2005 hurricane season. The propeller problem was overcome by bonding a metal sleeve to the leading edge of each blade and the radar issue by changes in the radar software coding.[18]
While in conversion to the new airframe, the unit continued its mission of aerial weather reconnaissance and added a new weather-related mission type in 2003, using the WC-130Js to drop buoys ahead of impending tropical storms. In 2004, the unit started training to support tactical airlift missions in addition to its weather mission. The landfall of
The operations of the 53rd WRS were affected by the
Hurricane Hunter mission
The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, using the call signs Teal 70 to Teal 79,
- Geographical position of the flight level vortex center (vortex fix) and relative position of the surface center, if known;
- Center sea-level pressure determined by dropsonde or extrapolation from within 1,500 feet (460 meters) of the sea surface or from the computed 925 hPa, 850 hPa, or 700 hPa height;
- Minimum 700, 850 or 925 hPa height, if available;
- Wind data (continuous observations along the flight track) for surface and flight level;
- Surface wind data from Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer (SFMR);
- High density three-dimensional Doppler radial velocities of the tropical cyclone core circulation;
- Temperature at flight level;
- Rain rate from SFMR;
- Sea surface temperature; and
- Dew-point temperature at flight level.[22]
The 53rd WRS is equipped with ten pallet-instrumented[h] WC-130J aircraft to collect the required meteorological data.[i] The area of responsibility for the "Hurricane Hunters" is from midway through the Atlantic Ocean west to the Hawaiian Islands, although they have also been tasked to fly into typhoons in the Pacific Ocean on occasion, as well as gather data in winter storms.[j] The Hurricane Hunters are tasked to support 24-hour-a-day continuous operations with the ability to fly to up to 3 storms at a time with a response time of 16 hours. This necessitates a mission organization of ten full-time aircrews and ten part-time.[23]
The WC-130J employs a standard five person crew element of a pilot, co-pilot,
The 53rd WRS uses
Since 1969, the 53rd WRS also performs winter storm weather reconnaissance off both coasts of the United States between 1 November and 15 April in support of the
The 53rd WRS works closely with the
The 53rd WRS maintains similarly configured
Tropical cyclone operational profiles
When a tropical disturbance becomes suspect for development as a tropical or subtropical cyclone, the NHC assigns the system a temporary tracking ("Investigation") number[l] and requests the 53rd WRS to determine if the winds are blowing in a counterclockwise rotation, indicating a "closed cyclonic circulation". This investigative mission is flown at an altitude of 500–1,500 ft (150–460 m) above the ocean surface in a pattern designated by the ARWO aboard the mission WC-130 based on observed conditions.[m] The ARWO, using a stepped-frequency microwave radiometer (SFMR, or "smurf"),[27][30][n] continuously monitors ocean waves to determine wind speed and direction. The low-level wind and pressure fields provide an accurate picture for NHC forecasters. Investigative missions are usually flown during daylight and may be timed to arrive in the investigative area at first light in the morning or last light in the evening. Weak pressure gradients, large areas of calm, and light winds in areas of heavy convective activity often make vortex fixes difficult to obtain in areas of weak circulation, challenging the skills of the crews.
Once NHC determines that there is circulation within the disturbance, the mission becomes a sequentially numbered "fix" mission, conducted initially every six hours by rotating flights in cooperation with NOAA missions, and then at three-hour intervals as the storm moves within specified parameters.
Major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher in the Saffir–Simpson scale) are entered at approximately 10,000 ft (3,000 m) altitude.[q] While penetrating the eyewall, a dropsonde is released to determine the maximum sustained winds at the surface and a second dropsonde is released in the eye to detect the lowest pressure at the surface. After exiting the eye, the ARWO creates a Vortex Data Message that includes the precise latitude and longitude of the storm center as well as its maximum winds, maximum temperature, and minimum sea level pressure.[r] The average duration of a "Hurricane Hunter" mission is ten hours, with five to six hours on station, depending on the distance of the storm from base, when tasked to perform three fixes at three-hour intervals.[19]
Lineage
- Constituted as the 3rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, Air Route, Medium on 7 August 1944
- Activated on 31 August 1944
- Redesignated 3rd Reconnaissance Squadron, Weather, Heavy on 26 January 1945
- Redesignated 53rd Reconnaissance Squadron, Long Range, Weather on 15 June 1945
- Redesignated 53rd Reconnaissance Squadron, Very Long Range, Weather on 27 November 1945
- Inactivated on 15 October 1947
- Redesignated 53rd Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, Medium, Weather on 22 January 1951
- Activated on 21 February 1951
- Redesignated 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron on 15 February 1954
- Discontinued on 18 March 1960
- Organized on 8 January 1962
- Inactivated on 30 June 1991
- Activated in the reserve on 1 November 1993[1]
Assignments
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Stations
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Aircraft
- Boeing RB-17 Flying Fortress (1945–1946)
- Boeing TB-17 Flying Fortress (1945–1947)
- North American B-25 Mitchell (1946–1947)
- North American WB-25D Mitchell (1944, 1946–1947)[14]
- Boeing B-29 Superfortress (1946–1947)
- Boeing WB-29A Superfortress (1951–1956)
- Boeing WB-50D Superfortress(1956–1960, 1962–1963)
- Boeing WB-47E Stratojet(1963–1969)
- Lockeed C-130 Hercules (1965)
- Lockeed WC-130A/B/E/H Hercules (1965–1991, 1993–2006)
- Lockeed RC-130 (1974-1975)
- Lockeed HC-130 Hercules (1976)
- Lockheed WC-130J Hercules (1999–present)[31]
Awards
Award streamer | Award | Dates | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Meritorious Unit Citation | 23 May 1945 – 31 October 1945 | 3d Reconnaissance Squadron (later 53rd Reconnaissance Squadron)[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award |
1 December 1958–30 September 1959 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 July 1967 – 30 June 1968 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 January 1971 – 31 December 1971 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 September 1975 – 1 May 1977 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 16 July 1977 – 16 July 1979 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 17 July 1979 – 15 June 1981 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 April 1984 – 31 March 1986 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 April 1986 – 31 March 1988 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 November 1993 – 30 April 1994 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 May 1994 – 30 April 1996 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] | |
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award | 1 May 1996 – 31 August 1997 | 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron[1] |
Cable television series
See also
- Tropical cyclone
- NOAA Hurricane Hunters
- National Hurricane Center
- Storm chasing
- 2015 Atlantic hurricane season
Hurricane Hunters in fiction
A hurricane hunter aircraft was depicted in the 1974 movie Hurricane, penetrating a hurricane threatening the Gulf Coast in the Louisiana or Mississippi area. Spotting a small pleasure boat within the eye, they returned into the eye to guide a submarine, but the plane was lost in its attempt to exit a second time. The submarine rescued the boat's occupants.
Notes
- Explanatory notes
- ^ The emblem was personally modified by the Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force, but the changes were registered, but not approved formally. Robertson Factsheet, 53 Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (AFRC).
- Cuban Eight aerobatic maneuver in 1936 while flying a demonstration at an air show in Florida. In 1938 he returned to the United States to become a flight test inspector for the new Civil Aeronautics Authority (precursor to the FAA), and in 1941 became vice president of flying operations at the Embry-Riddle School of Aviation. During World War II he worked for Fairchild Aircraft developing training aircraft. (Biography of Len Povey, University of Texas at Dallas).
- 10th Bombardment Squadron and carried weather officers Major I.I. Porush, Captain J. R. Fleming, and 1st Lt. P.W. Allen. A second flight, similar to Duckworth's, took off from Antiguawith weather officer Capt. C.H. MacDougall aboard and also observed the storm.
- ^ Swan 38, a WC-130H of the 53rd's sister 54th Weather Reconnaissance Squadron, was lost on 12 October 1974, while flying an alpha pattern into Typhoon Bess 400 miles northeast of Clark Air Base in the Philippines. The Hurricane Hunter Association established the Swan 38 Memorial Scholarship for outstanding students in the 403rd Wing. (Swan 38 Scholarship).
- ^ The WB-29 was serial 44-62277, a converted B-29A.
- ^ Lt. Fowler's navigation school classmate 1st Lt. Ramona L. Roybal became a WC-135 navigator with the 55th WRS at McClellan AFB at the same time. A month earlier, the first rated female pilot, 2nd Lt. Carole A. Scherer, had been assigned to fly WC-130s with the 54th WRS. The first Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer (ARWO) was 1st Lt. Nancy E. Holtgard, who was also assigned to the 54th WRS on Guam.
- ^ The 53rd picked up the call sign "Teal" in 1993 from the 815th, which had used it when designated the 815th Weather Squadron and again after 1991 when it contained a Hurricane Hunter flight in addition to its tactical airlift flights. As an active force squadron the 53rd had previously used the call sign "Gull."
- ^ Pallet instrumentation for the WC-130J's mission consists of a Communication Navigation Identification Unit (CNIU), Satellite Communication System (SATCOM), Advanced Vertical Atmospheric Profiling System (AVAPS) to receive and analyze dropsonde data, Atmospheric Sounding Processing Environment (ASPEN), and the Aerial Reconnaissance Weather Officer's computer with Weatherbird software package, all of which are described in the External Links. Between May 2007 and February 2008 all ten WC-130J Weatherbirds were also equipped with wing-mounted Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer ("Smurf") pods, described separately. In 2009 the SFMR systems were retrofitted with a new antenna that during heavy rains resulted in an over-calculation of light winds, caused by water intrusion in the radome through drain holes in the new antenna. The problem was identified during Hurricane Felicia and found to have affected 50% of missions flown during the season. It was corrected in September 2009 by sealing the drain holes.
- ^ >AF s/n 96-5300 through −5302, 97–5303 through −5306, 98–5307 and −5308, and 99-5309.
- ^ The squadron previously tasked for tropical storm reconnaissance in the Western Pacific, the 54th WRS, was inactivated in 1987.
- ^ The TCPOD is available at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ by clicking on Aircraft Recon under "Tools & Data" for Plan of the day.
- ^ Numbers 90 through 99 in the cyclone numbering system are reserved for such disturbances. Although not required, the "90" series of cyclone numbers is assigned sequentially and normally reused throughout the calendar year. The number is further modified by a two-letter ocean basin code. Investigation AL97 (or "97L" in verbal shorthand) would be the seventh sequential disturbance in the North Atlantic basin, while Invest. EP92 (92E) is the second in the East Pacific basin north of the equator.
- ^ "Suggested" investigative patterns are the X, Box, and Delta patterns, described and illustrated at NHOP 2015, pages 5–19 and 5–20.
- ^ The SFMR is designed to continuously measure surface winds directly below the WC-130J, and is installed on the aircraft within a wing-mounted antenna pod. As the plane flies through a storm, the SFMR senses microwave radiation naturally emitted from foam created on the sea by winds at the surface. Computers determine wind speeds based on the levels of microwave radiation detected, extrapolated from the winds at the aircraft's altitude or from a dropsonde released from the aircraft. The SFMR can also determine rainfall rates within a system, which in addition to wind speeds at flight level, provides structural detail of the storm.
- ^ A typical weather reconnaissance Tropical Cyclone Plan of the Day (TCPOD) is reproduced here. Up to four 6-hour fixes per day are conducted when a system is within 500 nautical miles of landfall and west of 55°W in the Atlantic, and up to eight 3-hour fixes per day if within 300 nautical miles of the coast of the United States, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the Virgin islands, or DOD installations. Up to two "synoptic surveillance" missions per day may be flown on the periphery of systems with a potential for landfall. (NHOP 2015, p. 5–12).
- ^ "5.8.1. Flight Pattern ALPHA Operational Details. 5.8.1.1. Flight Levels and Sequence. Flight levels will normally be 1,500 ft, 925 hPa, 850 hPa, or 700 hPa, depending on data requirements and flight safety. Legs will normally be 105 nm long and flown on intercardinal tracks (45 degrees off cardinal tracks). The pattern can be started at any intercardinal point and then repeated throughout the mission. Prior to starting an inbound or outbound track the aircrew should evaluate all available data, e.g., radar presentation, satellite photo, for flight safety. Once started on course, every effort should be made to maintain a straight track and the tasked altitude. A horizontal observation is required at each leg end point. This data is transmitted immediately. The ALPHA pattern may be modified to satisfy unique customer requirements (such as extending legs to examine the wind profile of a strong storm) or because of proximity of land or warning areas." (NHOP 2015, p. 5–19).
- millibars(9880 ft/3011 m) of pressure. Storms of category 3 strength or greater are flown at 700mb. By using a radar altimeter to measure actual altitude above the surface, the ARWO calculates the "height of standard surface" reported to NHC to make these determinations.
- ^ A description of the contents of the vortex data message is here. Standard sea level pressure is 1013 millibars. A "supplemental vortex data message" gives a cross-section of weather data at 15-nautical mile intervals, both inbound and outbound, along the 105-mile intercardinal legs to locate damaging winds in the storm's quadrants. Observation requirements are summarized in Table 5-1, page 5.5, National Hurricane Operations Plan 2015, linked below. During active tropical cyclones, the most current vortex data message can be found at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/ by clicking on Aircraft Recon under "Tools & Data".
- Citations'
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Robertson, Patsy (20 February 2015). "53 Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (AFRC)". AFHRA. Archived from the original on 27 September 2015. Retrieved 18 December 2023.
- ^ a b Markus, et al., p. 142
- ^ "NHC Aircraft Reconnaissance". National Hurricane Center. 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
- ^ "NOAA Aircraft Operations". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 7 July 2017. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
- ^ "National Hurricane Operations Plan 2015" (PDF). Office of the Federal Coordinator for Meteorology. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 June 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2016., Appendix F.
- ^ "80th Anniversary of the Labor Day Hurricane and first hurricane reconnaissance", NOAA Hurricane Research Division. Retrieved 6 September 2015.
- ^ Cuba May Use Planes to Scout for Hurricanes, AP, Schenectady Gazette, 23 Sept. 1935, p. 7]
- ISBN 0-375-70390-X., pp. 98–100
- ^ Kaye, Ken (25 July 2013). "First 'hurricane hunter' flight was made on a bet". South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Archived from the original on 27 July 2013. Retrieved 27 July 2013.
- ^ a b c d "53d Weather Reconnaissance Squadron 'Hurricane Hunters' Fact Sheet". 403rd Wing AFRC. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
- ^ Fincher, Lew; Read, Bill. "The 1943 "Surprise" Hurricane". NOAA.gov. Archived from the original on 27 May 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
- ^ Tannehill, pp. 92–93
- ^ a b "The History of the Hurricane Hunters". Hurricane Hunters Association.com. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
- ^ a b Robison, Tom. "The B-29 in Weather Reconnaissance". Air Weather Reconnaissance Association. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
- ^ "Gone, But Not Forgotten". Air Weather Reconnaissance Association. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
- ISBN 978-0-933876-88-0, p. 355
- ^ Fuller (1990), p. 348
- ^ Robison, Tom. "Whiskey-Charlie". Air Weather Reconnaissance Association. Retrieved 3 September 2010., notes 10–11
- ^ a b c Mitchell, Capt. N. L. (2013). "Into the Storm: A Hurricane Hunter Member Describes Her Missions in the Air While Her Concerns are For Those on the Ground". The Officer. LXXXIX (January–February). Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
- ^ Hurricane Hunters: Flying two storms difficult, three impossible, Danielle Thomas, WLOX-TV, Biloxi, MS (Retrieved 25 July 2013)
- ^ "WC-130". aviation spectator.com. Archived from the original on 7 July 2011. Retrieved 5 September 2010.
- ^ National Hurricane Operations Plan of 2015, p. 5–3.
- ^ a b c d "The Mission of the Hurricane Hunters". Hurricane Hunters Association.com. Archived from the original on 26 August 2010. Retrieved 30 August 2010.
- ^ Losurdo, Major Marnee A.C. (20 January 2015). "Hurricane Hunters investigate training options at Kirtland AFB", 403rd Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 31 August 2015.
- ^ Joy Blackburn (17 May 2013). "Hurricane Hunters Are Back". The Virgin Islands Daily News, No. 22702. p. 1
- ^ "53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron". Global Security.org. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Hurricane Hunters". Hurricanes: Science and Society. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- ^ National Hurricane Operations Plan of 2015, p. 5–5.
- ^ National Hurricane Operations Plan of 2015, p. 5–24.
- ^ "Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer fact Sheet". 403rd Wing AFRC. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
- ^ Not including series, aircraft in Robertson, Factsheet 53 Weather Reconnaissance Squadron (AFRC), except as noted.
- ^ "The Weather Channel Premieres New Series Hurricane Hunters in July 2012". The Weather Channel. 2012. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
- ^ Folsom, Geoff (5 June 2012). "Suit alleges Weather Channel Star was fired for military service". The Marietta Daily Journal. Retrieved 12 June 2012.
- ^ Schogol, Jeff (6 May 2013). "Reservist fired after returning from deployment". Air Force Times. Archived from the original on 28 June 2013. Retrieved 3 June 2013.
References
- Fuller, John F. (1990). Thor's Legions: Weather Support to the U.S. Air Force and Army, 1937–1987. Boston, MA: American Meteorological Society. ISBN 978-0-933876-88-0
- Mitchell, Capt. N. L. (2013). "Into the Storm: A Hurricane Hunter Member Describes Her Missions in the Air While Her Concerns are For Those on the Ground". The Officer. LXXXIX (January–February). Archived from the original on 16 February 2013. Retrieved 8 January 2013.
- Markus, Rita M.; Halbeisen, MSG Nicholas F.; Fuller, John F. (1987). Matthews, James K.; Gustin, Joylyn I. (eds.). Air Weather Service: Our Heritage 1937-1987 (PDF). Scott AFB, IL: Air Weather Service. OCLC 18406969. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- Robison, Tom. "The B-29 in Weather Reconnaissance". Air Weather Reconnaissance Association. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
- Robison, Tom. "Whiskey-Charlie". Air Weather Reconnaissance Association. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
- Sheets, Bob; Williams, Jack (2001). Hurricane Watch: Forecasting the Deadliest Storms on Earth. Vintage. ISBN 0-375-70390-X.
- ISBN 0-396-03789-5.
- "Stepped-Frequency Microwave Radiometer Fact Sheet". 403d Wing AFRC. Retrieved 12 December 2012.
- "Hurricane Hunters". Hurricanes: Science and Society. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
- "The History of the Hurricane Hunters". Hurricane Hunters Association.com. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
- "53d Weather Reconnaissance Squadron". Global Security.org. Retrieved 2 September 2010.
External links
- "Air Force Tech Report: Hurricane Hunters". Air Force TV. 2 June 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2016.
- National Hurricane Operations Plan 2015; Published May 2015. Chapters 5 and 6 deal with Aircraft Reconnaissance Operations
- 403rd Wing official website
- Hurricane Hunter Weather Equipment Fact Sheet
- 53d WRS image gallery (USAF)
- National Hurricane Center
- Hurricane Hunters Association homepage
- AF Reserve Hurricane Hunters, Facebook page maintained by 403rd Wing Public Affairs Office
- Air Weather Reconnaissance Association homepage
- Why and how people fly into hurricanes – USA Today – sidebar, "Fatal flights"