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Videos have emerged in the past couple of days showcasing the damage sustained by a LATAM Airbus A320 after it flew through hail, either within or right beside a severe thunderstorm. In this particular instance, it was near a thunderstorm and even inside one, and both scenarios can be extremely devastating. It’s truly a testament to the skill and courage of the pilots who inadvertently found themselves in the midst of the storm as they were able to bring the plane safely to land, as you can see, with the radar dome having been demolished by what must have been large hail.
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— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) October 27, 2022
The flight had originated in Santiago, Chile, and was on its way to Asunción, the capital of Paraguay, when it had to divert due to the weather to an airport in Brazil. After taking off again, it encountered the intense severe weather. There are conflicting reports regarding injuries, with some stories suggesting that several passengers were seriously injured, while the airline stated in a statement that no one was harmed.
The plane itself sustained heavy damage, with the hail almost shattering both windshields, making it extremely difficult for the pilots to see ahead clearly. Eventually, they managed to carry out a successful emergency landing in Asunción. Authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the incident.
From thunderstorms to icy clouds, the weather poses numerous hazards to small planes. Find out more about Weather Hazards here.
