What should a pilot do if they encounter a microburst during their descent?

When encountering a microburst during descent, executing a go-around is the most appropriate response. Microbursts are intense, localized downdrafts of air that can create severe turbulence and rapidly changing wind conditions. These phenomena can significantly affect an aircraft's control and performance, particularly during landing when the aircraft is close to the ground and speed is reduced.

By opting for a go-around, the pilot can safely abort the landing attempt and regain altitude, allowing them to evade the hazardous effects of the microburst. This maneuver gives the pilot time to reassess the situation, check for improving weather conditions, and prepare for an alternate approach when it's safe to do so.

Other options, such as performing an immediate landing or continuing the descent as planned, could expose the aircraft and its occupants to dangerous situations stemming from the unpredictable wind changes and downdrafts associated with microbursts. Additionally, increasing the descent rate would further destabilize the aircraft, compounding the risks involved. Thus, the go-around serves as a critical safety maneuver in the face of such an unpredictable and hazardous weather event.