Air Austria has confirmed that a mayday call was issued by one of its A320’s following damage caused by hail.
The hail, which Air Austria said “wasn’t visible on the weather radar”, damaged the front two cockpit windows, the aircraft nose and some of the coverings.
A statement from Air Austria said:
""We confirm that on yesterday’s flight OS434 from Palma de Mallorca to Vienna, an Airbus A320 aircraft was damaged by hail.
""The aircraft encountered a thunderstorm cell during approach to Vienna, which according to the cockpit crew, was not visible on the weather radar. As of now, the hail has damaged the two front cockpit windows, the aircraft nose (radome), and some coverings.
""Due to the damage, a Mayday distress call was made. The aircraft was able to land safely at Vienna-Schwechat Airport. The Austrian Airlines technical team is already tasked with assessing the specific damage to the aircraft.
""All passengers on the flight were unharmed"".
Air Austria A320 makes mayday call following hail damage
