Plane plunges ‘like a rollercoaster’ as nose and windows destroyed by hail in thunderstorm(pic)

https://newsannapurna.com/ ^ | 6/6/18

[BBell]

A passenger jet plunged through the air “like a rollercoaster” after it flew into a thunderstorm, dropping thousands of feet as it was bombarded with strong winds, hail and lightning.

“Things were flying. Passengers throwing up. Scariest flight of my life,” said Jesse Esparza, who was aboard the American Airlines flight from San Antonio, New Mexico to Phoenix, Arizona.

With its nose and windscreen badly damaged by hail, the plane was forced to divert to El Paso for an emergency landing.

“I never thought I’d have to buy in-flight WiFi to message my mum goodbye,” Mr Esparza added.

Pictures of the plane on the runway showed its nose caved in and its windows covered by a web of cracks after it was battered by hailstones of up to three inches in size.

“I keep looking back at the photos and getting chills,” said another passenger, who did not want to be named. “We had no idea how bad it was until after we landed.”

She told ABC15 several passengers had panic attacks after the aircraft hit severe turbulence about 30 minutes after taking off.

Mobile phones flew through the air, drinks splashing the ceiling, and passengers sharing sick bags during “five minutes of hell”, she added.

Mr Esparza said the plane then dropped “like a rollercoaster”.

He added: “We dropped so hard that objects in people’s laps start flying inside the aircraft. My seatbelt is pulling against my waist keeping me in my seat. Babies screaming. I start hyperventilating. I grab my phone and sign on to the WiFi. I text my mom that I love her

[BBell]

It's really a shame there are not any of those flying boats around anymore. I'd love to see one in a museum. Very few left of any kind from that era. Those things were immense and the insides were very spacious and first class. Reading that story made me look into the flying boats more.

I've yet to read the book about the trip referenced in the article. I told my dad about it and he downloaded it to listen to. I've not asked him how he liked it.

[T-Bone Texan]

I’ve been to Captain Jack’s Stronghold and Tule Lake, CA.

I am impressed that another FReeper has been there, as there is no there there, but it is a stunningly beautiful place.

It was freezing in July, I remember, and the wind did not stop. Of course, once you got down into the caves, wind is not an issue.

[Rebelbase]

What a fantastic read! With Hollywood completely out of fresh movie ideas it’s ridiculous to not make a movie out o that story.

[BBell]

I came across it when someone posted it here. I loved it.

[Fiji Hill]

I was there in October of ‘99. Fall is a beautiful time of the year to visit Modoc and Shasta Counties.

[DannyTN]

She’s starting to shiver!

[dfwgator]

[dfwgator]

“This is WZAZ, in Chicago, where Disco lives forever!” *cut transmission*

[Magnum44]

With modern weather radar, there really is no excuse for this by the pilots or by the controllers. Some serious case of ‘get-there-itis’ could have gotten a lot of passengers killed.

[KC Burke]

I love The Range Cafe. The original in Bernalillo is my favorite.