The discovery of the downburst: T. T. Fujita's contribution

T. Theodore Fujita proposed the existence of a small-scale diverging wind f eature that could cause damaging winds at the surface. He also proposed tha t it was responsible for a number of aircraft crashes when encountered on t akeoff or landing. This paper describes the scientific discoveries Fujita m ade documenting the existence of this wind shear phenomenon that he named t he downburst. It describes events that led to the remarkable reduction in a ircraft accidents and saving of lives because of the discovery of the downb urst. It is also intended to give the reader insight into the man himself.