“From 2003 through 2007, there were 8,657 aviation accidents involving 8,754 aircraft .

Weather was a cause or contributing factor in 1,740 accidents (20.1 percent), involving
1,741 aircraft.  Of those accidents, 1,149 were attributed specifically to wind, the highest
contributing weather factor,” (Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing, 2010)
From this data alone, we can understand wind has a significant impact on overall
aircraft performance and safety.
As wind can degrade or improve aircraft performance (a headwind on landing or a
tailwind in flight), pilots should employ multiple strategies to understand and identify the
risks associated with wind.  In the PZL M-26 Iskierka, for example, an 8-knot headwind
decreases the takeoff ground roll by almost half. The challenge is helping pilots
understand these threats early on by utilizing sufficient pre-flight weather analysis in
conjunction with proper training, knowledge of the limitations of your aircraft, and your
personal minimums. 
 
References
Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing. (2010). Weather-related aviation
accident study. https://www.asias.faa.gov/i/studies/2003-
2007weatherrelatedaviationaccidentstudy.pdf