Severe Hailstorm Damages Nose and Cockpit Windows of Austrian Airlines Flight

An Austrian Airlines flight from Palma de Mallorca, Spain to Vienna, Austria (flight OS434) encountered a severe hailstorm during its approach to Vienna-Schwechat Airport on Sunday, sustaining significant damage.

The airline reported that the aircraft was struck by a severe thunderstorm cell that was not visible on the weather radar, resulting in extensive damage to the cockpit windows, exterior coverings, and notably, the nose cone.

The cockpit crew, caught off guard by the invisible storm cell, made a mayday distress call as the plane was battered by hail. The impact damaged the two front cockpit windows, stripped coverings off the aircraft’s nose, and caused other external damage. Photos shared on social media vividly displayed the severe damage to the front of the plane.

Passenger Emmeley Oakley, who was on board during the chaotic flight, recounted the harrowing experience to ABC News. She mentioned that they were about 20 minutes from landing when the plane entered a cloud of hail and thunderstorm, leading to powerful turbulence.

“We could definitely feel the hail coming down on the plane and it was quite loud and… super rocky for a minute,” Oakley described in a text message to the station. She estimated that the plane took about two minutes or less to fly through the hailstorm, during which “phones and cups” were thrown around the cabin, causing some passengers to panic and scream.

Oakley praised the cabin crew for their swift and effective response in calming the distressed passengers, ensuring safety and order within the cabin. austrian airlines hail

Despite the turbulent and alarming approach, the flight landed safely at Vienna-Schwechat Airport, with no injuries reported among the passengers or crew. Austrian Airlines confirmed the safe landing and stated that their technical team is currently inspecting the aircraft to assess the extent of the damage.