Vienna, Austria – An Austrian Airlines flight faced severe hail damage on Sunday, with part of the aircraft’s nose being ripped off during a flight from Palma de Mallorca, Spain, to Vienna, Austria. The airline reported that Flight OS434 encountered a powerful thunderstorm while in the air, resulting in significant damage to the cockpit windows and other parts of the plane.
Passenger Emmeley Oakley described the harrowing experience of flying through the hailstorm, noting that the turbulence began about 20 minutes before landing. Inside the cabin, the sound of hail hitting the aircraft was deafening, causing the passengers to feel the impact and the plane to shake violently for a moment.
Despite the unexpected encounter with the storm, the Airbus A320 managed to land safely at Vienna-Schwechat Airport. Oakley praised the flight attendants for their efforts in calming down panicked passengers during the turbulent ordeal. The airline confirmed that no one was injured during the incident.
The severity of the hailstorm was such that it took the passengers and crew by surprise, with the cockpit crew unable to detect the storm on the radar beforehand. Oakley estimated that it took less than two minutes for the plane to pass through the hailstorm, causing items to fly around the cabin as some passengers screamed in fear.
Following the incident, Austrian Airlines’ technical team is conducting a thorough inspection of the aircraft to assess the extent of the damage. While the experience was unsettling for those on board, Oakley commended the pilots for their skill in navigating the challenging weather conditions and ensuring a smooth and safe landing for everyone on the flight.
The airline expressed gratitude for the passengers’ cooperation and reassured that safety remains a top priority. As investigations continue into the hail damage, Austrian Airlines is focused on ensuring the well-being of its passengers and crew members. The resilient response of all involved highlights the importance of preparedness and quick thinking in the face of unexpected challenges during air travel.