Plane passengers had a lucky escape after their jet was battered by a hailstorm while in mid-air.
The 23-year-old Airbus A320 flew into a thunderstorm that was not visible on the weather radar.
It happened during the descent 6,000 m (19,685 ft) over Hartberg, Austria, yesterday (9 Jun).
The pilot sent out a mayday as they continued flying the plane blind.
READ MORE: Security guards suspended after brawling outside airport
They managed to land it safely at Vienna Airport at 5:59pm local time.
About 20 minutes passed between the moment the plane first encountered hail and the landing.
The Austrian Airlines flight had taken off from Palma, Majorca, at 3:55 pm local time.
Vienna was its final destination, as reported on Need To Know.
Both windshields, the nose, and several panels sustained heavy damage in the hailstorm.
Those on board experienced turbulence when the hailstorm struck.
Reports say the noise was loud as the hail hit the plane.
The hailstorm lasted up to about two minutes, according to reports.
Loose objects in the cabin were reportedly tossed around and the cabin crew had to calm several terrified passengers down.
Despite the scare, no one on board was injured.
An Austrian Airlines spokesperson said: “On flight OS434 from Palma de Mallorca to Vienna, an Airbus A320 aircraft was damaged by hail.
“The aircraft encountered a thunderstorm cell on approach to Vienna, which the cockpit crew said was not visible on the weather radar.
“According to current information, the two front cockpit windows of the aircraft, the nose of the aircraft and some panels were damaged by the hail.
“The aircraft was able to land safely at Vienna-Schwechat Airport.
“All passengers on the flight were uninjured.
“The Austrian Airlines technical team has already been entrusted with the specific damage assessment of the aircraft in question.
“The safety of our passengers and our crews is Austrian Airlines’ top priority.”
READ MORE: Political hopeful cuts arm to make ‘blood pact’ with voters – and is then retired by party
