On Sunday, a severe hailstorm caused significant damage to an Airbus A320 carrying 173 passengers, resulting in a harrowing experience for all on board. The storm ripped off part of the plane's nose, dented the cockpit, and cracked multiple windows. Despite the terrifying ordeal, the skilled pilots managed to safely land the aircraft in Vienna, with no reported injuries among the passengers.
Severe hailstorms pose a serious threat to aircraft, as even small hailstones can cause substantial damage. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) notes that hail as small as a half-inch in diameter can lead to severe aircraft damage within seconds. In the case of the recent incident, the hailstones were likely closer to the size of golf balls, approximately one and three-quarters inches in diameter.
