Approach and Weather Information
The aircraft's onboard radar indicated thunderstorms in the vicinity of the destination airport. As the flight continued, the Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) changed. When the pilots contacted Washington Approach Control using the outdated ATIS information, the controller did not correct them. The crew was advised of heavy rain, strong winds, and a pilot report (PIREP) of windshear near the airport, but they were not informed that the Low Level Wind Shear Alert System (LLWAS) was inoperative.
The flight was vectored for a Rosslyn Runway 18 approach. After contacting the tower, the pilots were advised that the wind was from 230 degrees at 35 to 45 knots.
Encounter and Missed Approach
Shortly thereafter, while on final approach, the aircraft was "inundated" by rain. The crew lost sight of the airport and initiated a missed approach. During the missed approach, the aircraft encountered large hail and moderate turbulence. The aircraft stopped climbing at approximately 600 feet, and its speed decreased from 170 to 138 knots.
The captain applied full power, and the aircraft responded, but the N1 (fan speed) and Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) limits were exceeded. The captain then reduced power and diverted to Dulles International Airport.
Post-Flight Inspection
A post-flight examination revealed that the first and second stage turbine blades of all three engines had been overtemperatured (overtemped).