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The temperature at Osaka Itami Airport rose to 38°C (45°C on a handheld thermometer). Due to the large number of passengers during the Obon holiday, the rising temperature, and tailwinds, the takeoff limit was exceeded. (Tailwind limit) 1. Decreasing air density When the temperature is high, the density of the air decreases. Air density is important for an airplane to obtain lift. If the density is low, the amount of lift obtained will be less even if the airplane flies at the same speed, making it difficult for the airplane to take off. 2. Decreasing engine efficiency When the temperature is high, the density of the air taken into the engine also decreases, and the amount of oxygen decreases. Since the engine generates thrust by mixing oxygen and fuel and burning it, if there is less oxygen, the thrust efficiency decreases, making it difficult for the airplane to obtain the necessary thrust. 3. Increased takeoff distance To obtain sufficient lift due to the low air density, the airplane must run at a higher speed, and the runway distance required for takeoff is longer. If the runway is not long enough, the airplane may not be able to take off safely. 4. Maximum Takeoff Weight Restrictions When the temperature is high, the maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of an airplane may be restricted for the reasons mentioned above. Especially when the airplane is fully loaded with passengers and luggage, it becomes heavier and needs to run at a higher speed to obtain the necessary lift. This makes the runway distance even longer and brings the runway limit closer. As a result, it may be difficult for the airplane to take off with a maximum load. 5. Shadow of Headwind Headwinds (headwinds) are usually favorable conditions for airplanes. With a headwind, even if the airplane's ground speed (speed relative to the ground) is low, the speed of the air flowing over the wing (relative speed) is high, making it easier to obtain the necessary lift. However, if there is a tailwind (opposite of the headwind), the runway distance may be even longer to obtain the speed required for takeoff. Therefore, the presence or absence of a headwind and the strength of the wind also affect whether it becomes difficult for the airplane to fly. Summary The combination of the decrease in air density due to high temperatures, the decrease in engine efficiency, and the increased weight of a fully loaded plane makes it difficult for the plane to obtain the necessary lift and thrust, and a long runway is required. Although this can be compensated for a little by the presence of a headwind, the combination of these factors creates a situation in which it is difficult for the plane to fly. Please forgive any errors in the content. Thank you. #ItamiAirport #Airplane #Airplaneaccident