From the “Süddeutsche Zeitung” to the “BBC”: the AUA plane, which was severely damaged by a hailstorm, is making international headlines. More and more experts doubt whether the storm could not have been seen, as initially claimed. Now the radar image of flight OS-434 has appeared.
The images of the Airbus A320, which traveled from Palma de Mallorca to Vienna on Sunday and encountered heavy turbulence over Hartberg in Styria, went around the world.
“Serious accusations against pilots”
Almost all major international media reported on the horror flight, in which the nose of the plane was literally torn apart by hailstones and the cockpit window was also severely destroyed. For example, the headline ‘Spiegel’ read: ‘Serious accusations against Austrian Airlines pilots – despite hailstorm warning’.
And although no one was ultimately injured and the plane was able to land safely in Vienna-Schwechat, the incident still raises a number of sensitive questions.
Situation underestimated?
The central point: why did the pilots put the 168 passengers and themselves in such a dangerous situation? Were there technical problems or did those responsible simply underestimate the situation?
The AUA stated in multiple interviews that “according to their statement, the storm cell was not visible to the flight crew on the weather radar.” German weather expert Jörg Kachelmann even publicly accused the airline of being on X. Because all the data from that day would prove otherwise.
A now-surfaced radar image of flight OS-434 likely provides new fuel, as it clearly shows that the plane flew directly through the red storm cell. In expert circles there is no doubt about the authenticity of the image.
“The window could have burst”
Josef Mündler of the Styrian Hail Defense Team, whose planes encountered the same storm that day, described it as “extremely fortunate” that nothing serious happened. “The cockpit window could have cracked and an engine could have failed due to the hail,” he said in an interview with the “Krone” a few days ago.
By the way, Austro Control firmly excludes the possibility that the air traffic controllers on the ground may have reacted incorrectly: “We published weather forecasts and event-related weather warnings for en-route traffic that corresponded to international standards for the period of the requested flight Hail in the region is indicated” , Markus Pohanka of the Austrian Air Traffic Control Authority said when asked on Friday. The final decision “must always be made by the pilot.”
External investigation started
The AUA today answered the question about the consequences and lessons learned as follows: “There is a certain period after an incident like this during which the crew is released from flying duty and – if necessary and requested by those affected – is cared for. In this case, that is a period of seven days,” says spokeswoman Yvonne Wachholder.
In addition to an internal investigation that has already begun, “the Federal Security Research Center will now also launch an external investigation.”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
