Part 2/9:
The day began like any other, but the pilots had already been briefed on the severe weather conditions plaguing Hawaii. The captain, a veteran pilot with nearly 20,000 flight hours, and the first officer, a newcomer with limited experience, were acutely aware of the challenges posed by potential wind shear — a dangerous phenomenon where wind speed and direction change rapidly, posing a significant threat during takeoff and landing.
As the aircraft pushed back from the gate, the weather radar confirmed the pilots' fears: conditions were unsettled, and they needed to be in high alert. In an attempt to enhance safety, the captain decided to extend the flaps to 20 degrees for takeoff instead of the usual 15 degrees, allowing for a more controlled ascent amidst potential turbulence.