On May 21, 2025, an IndiGo flight (6E2142) from Delhi to Srinagar encountered severe turbulence due to a hailstorm, prompting the pilot to declare an emergency to Srinagar’s air traffic control. The aircraft, carrying over 220 passengers, landed safely at 6:30 PM, but sustained damage, including a broken nose, and was grounded for inspection. All passengers and crew were safe, with no injuries reported. Social media posts praised the pilot’s skill in handling the situation.
IndiGo Aircraft Pilot Announced Emergency On 21 May, Plane’s Nose Severely Damaged
A hailstorm is a weather event where frozen water droplets, or hailstones, fall from the sky, often during severe thunderstorms. The effects of hailstorms can be significant, impacting various aspects of the environment, infrastructure, and human activities. Below is an explanation of the key effects, drawing from general knowledge and the context of the IndiGo flight incident on May 21, 2025:
Damage to Aircraft (Aviation Impact)
● Structural Damage: Hailstones can dent or crack aircraft components, such as the fuselage, wings, or nose cone, as seen in the IndiGo flight 6E2142, where the aircraft’s nose was damaged due to hail impact during severe turbulence. This can compromise aerodynamics or critical systems, necessitating emergency protocols and inspections.
● Windshield Damage: Hail can crack or shatter aircraft windshields, impairing pilot visibility and potentially requiring emergency landings, as in the case of the IndiGo flight.
● Operational Disruptions: Damaged aircraft may be grounded for repairs, leading to flight delays or cancellations. The IndiGo aircraft was grounded in Srinagar for inspection post-landing.
The IndiGo flight 6E2142 experienced severe turbulence due to a hailstorm, leading to an emergency declaration and a safe landing in Srinagar. The hailstorm’s effects included physical damage to the aircraft (broken nose) and operational grounding for safety checks.
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This underscores the aviation-specific risks of hailstorms, particularly during takeoff, landing, or low-altitude flight through turbulent weather.