What potential hazard may be encountered immediately after takeoff or during landing due to wind conditions?

Wind shear refers to the rapid change in wind speed or direction over a short distance, which can pose significant hazards during takeoff and landing phases of flight. During these critical moments, aircraft are particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in wind conditions. For instance, a sudden decrease in headwind can lead to a loss of lift, while a rapid increase in tailwind may cause the aircraft to descend more steeply than expected. These shifts can result in challenging scenarios for pilots, making it vital to be aware of wind shear, especially in areas where it is known to occur, such as near thunderstorms or when flying over terrain that disrupts airflow.

Other potential hazards, such as stall risk, structural damage, and excessive drag, might also occur during takeoff or landing, but they are typically influenced by factors other than immediate wind conditions. Stall risk is usually associated with flying at insufficient airspeed, structural damage typically results from operational errors or failures rather than wind effects, and excessive drag is more related to configuration choices or design rather than direct wind interactions. Therefore, wind shear stands out as the primary concern associated with changing wind conditions during these critical flight phases.