Delta A320 flight DL1889 diverted to Denver, hail strike

Aug 7, 2016

A Delta Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration N332NW performing flight DL-1889 from Boston,MA to Salt Lake City,UT (USA) with 119 passengers and 5 crew, was enroute at FL340 about 120nm east of Denver,CO (USA) at about 02:10Z Aug 8th, when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence, hail and lightning causing both windshields to crack and the weather radar to fail. The crew declared emergency reporting cracked windshields and failed weather radar and decided to divert to Denver. Emergency crews prepared to treat injuries after arrival of the aircraft. On final approach the crew advised there were no known injuries on board, they would stop on the runway due to visibility problems as result of both windshields being cracked, they requested an ILS approach due to the visibility problems. ATC made sure all ILS critical areas were kept clear of obstructions. The aircraft landed safely on Denver's runway 35L about 40 minutes after leaving FL340, tower commented "very nice job, Sir!", the crew advised they were able to vacate via high speed turnoff M6 towards taxiway Mike and would stop after vacating the runway. The aircraft received damage to the radome, both windshields and engines.

On Aug 11th 2016 the NTSB announced, they have opened an investigation into the occurrence.







The Aviation Herald