The crew of a Delta Airlines Boeing 767-300, flight DL-185 from Milan Malpensa (Italy) to New York JFK, NY (USA), reported severe turbulence, hail, and a cracked windshield as the aircraft was climbing out of Malpensa’s runway 35R.
At FL230, the crew decided to turn back and head to Rome Fiumicino (Italy). About 65 minutes after takeoff, the plane safely landed on runway 16R.
Although there were no injuries, the aircraft experienced significant damage, including dents along the leading edges of the wings, holes in the right-hand wing, holes in both engine spinners, and damage to both engines’ fan blades.
The crew reported experiencing extreme turbulence, hail, and damaged glass, prompting the plane to divert to Fiumicino, according to a listener on frequency.
