June 10th 2024.
On Sunday, an Austrian Airlines flight from Palma de Mallorca, Spain to Vienna, Austria encountered a severe thunderstorm, causing significant damage to the plane. The airline reported that the aircraft, an Airbus A320, was hit by hail while flying through the storm cell. This type of weather phenomenon is known for its unpredictable air currents, which can cause turbulence when a plane passes through it.
The flight, carrying 173 passengers and six crew members, faced a tense situation as the pilots navigated through the storm. According to Austrian Airlines, a mayday emergency call was made during the flight, indicating the severity of the situation. However, despite the damage, the pilots were able to safely land the plane at its destination in Vienna.
Photos shared on social media show the extent of the damage, with the nose of the plane visibly dented, the cockpit roof bent, and the windows cracked. Austrian Airlines confirmed that the hail had caused damage to the two front cockpit windows, as well as the nose of the aircraft and some of its paneling.
In their statement to CNN, the airline explained that the storm was not visible on the weather radar, making it difficult for the pilots to anticipate and avoid it. They also mentioned that the plane is currently undergoing a thorough inspection to assess the full extent of the damage.
This is not the first time that a commercial flight has encountered severe turbulence. Last month, a Singapore Airlines flight resulted in the death of a passenger and injuries to over 70 others. And just a few days after the Austrian Airlines incident, 12 people were injured on a Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin.
The safety of passengers and crew is always the top priority for airlines, and incidents like these serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of thorough pre-flight checks and precautions.
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