Case Study of Turbulence within a Frontal Boundary—WSR-88D and PIREP Investigation

Moderate to severe turbulence was encountered by general aviation and commercial aircraft over Central Florida on February 23, 2002 in the vicinity of a warm frontal boundary. One private aircraft experienced in-flight breakup, resulting in two deaths, and the NTSB probable cause attributed the accident to severe to extreme turbulence. The atmospheric conditions surrounding the accident and the PIREPs of turbulence are investigated in detail, with particular reliance on WSR-88D data. The relationship of the PIREPs to the frontal boundary is explored.