Delta 747 Damaged by Hail over China

[J]

N664US was flying from Detroit to Seoul a couple of weeks ago when over China it encountered severe turbulence and hail. Damage included the radome and wing panels. To maintain schedule, Delta pulled another 747 from storage in Marana; it subsequently made an emergency landing in Shannon due to a smoke alarm. Here is a discussion including comments from a pilot.


http://blog.seattlepi.com/flyinglessons ... il-damage/

[3WE]

The pilots should be disciplined for flying through hail like that!

I also found one report interesting: That the damaged aircraft was off to AZ to bask in the sun while a replacement, un-dented aircraft, already basking in the AZ sun would have its mothball's removed and take over the route.

...and as I read J's post, I guess they missed some mothballs or some mouse encampments must have gotten a bit toasty as it was returned to service.

[Princess Leia]

The old girl had over 100,000 hours on her. Luckily replaced by one with less than 70,000. It's an OK trade.