Passengers scream for their lives after plane struck by one natural disaster after another: ‘I am still in shock'
They really got flipped the bird.
Passengers in India shrieked in terror after their plane sustained damage to its nose following turbulence, hail and a bird strike, as seen in white-knuckle footage.
The aircraft had been flying from the capital, New Delhi, to Srinagar, India, on Wednesday, when it encountered violent weather conditions, South West News Service reported.
Footage shows petrified flyers screaming in panic as the plane is violently rocked by turbulence and lightning flashes illuminate the inside of the cabin.
The pilot notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) Srinagar of the extreme weather before safely landing at the destination, an hour and fifteen minutes after departure.
Subsequent photos taken after landing show that the aircraft's nose had a gaping hole, while hail reportedly caused mild internal damage, according to reports.
Thankfully, none of the 227 passengers were injured in the storm.
Nonetheless, many were shaken by the ordeal.
'I was on this flight, heading now home,' recalled fly-witness Owais Hakeem. 'It was terrible and I am still in shock.'
'I had a narrow escape while flying from Delhi to Srinagar,' added fellow flyer Aaqib. 'Hats off to the captain for the safe landing. Special mention to REMITA cabin crew for staying calm and professional.'
The aircraft is currently slated for an inspection by ground crews.
In a similar incident last June, an Austrian Airlines flight was beset by a surprise hailstorm that tore away part of the airplane's nose and left the cockpit windows covered in cracks.
Despite the heavy damage, the battered aircraft touched down safely in Vienna, Austria.
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