IndiGo Flight Faces Harrowing Hailstorm, Ensures Safe Landing
New Delhi, India (CNN) – An IndiGo passenger jet experienced a terrifying hailstorm mid-flight but managed to land safely in Srinagar, despite suffering significant damage. The flight, which normally takes about 90 minutes from New Delhi to Kashmir’s largest city, encountered severe turbulence as it flew through unexpected weather on Wednesday.
According to IndiGo, the flight crew adhered to established safety protocols, successfully navigating the challenging conditions. Photographs reveal extensive damage, including a large hole in the plane’s nose, although the airline did not detail the full extent of the injuries sustained by the aircraft.
Passengers reported widespread panic during the incident. Video footage captured by traveler Sheikh Samiullah showed fearful reactions, with screaming and crying as the turbulence intensified. Samiullah recounted that the pilot’s sudden announcement to fasten seatbelts was alarming, leading many to believe a crash was imminent. “I thought it was my last flight. It was such a traumatic experience,” he remarked, expressing gratitude for the pilot’s skillful landing.
Mary Schiavo, a CNN transportation analyst and former inspector general, noted that incidents like these are not unusual, as hail can inflict serious damage on planes without appearing on radar. While hail can breach the aircraft’s structure, most pilots are trained to manage such situations. "It’s amazing that planes can endure these stresses and still land safely,” she commented.
Hail-related turbulence is not new, with previous incidents resulting in injuries. However, in this instance, the crew’s expertise ensured that everyone on board escaped without injury, marking a successful, though harrowing, flight.
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