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.
The formation of hail occurs within thunderstorm cells when water droplets are updrafted to high altitudes, where they freeze and accumulate layers of ice. The continuous cycle of freezing and refreezing results in the formation of hailstones with distinct rings, similar to tree rings when bisected.
One of the challenges for pilots in detecting hail is its dry nature, which renders it invisible to onboard radar systems once it solidifies. This lack of visibility can make it difficult for pilots to navigate through thunderstorm cells and avoid hail damage, as was likely the case in this incident.
The resilience of the Airbus A320 was evident in its ability to withstand the hailstorm and safely land despite the extensive damage to its nose cone and cockpit windows. The successful outcome of this frightening event underscores the importance of pilot training, aircraft design, and emergency response protocols in ensuring passenger safety during adverse weather conditions.
