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Right Windshield Shatters After Hail Encounter During Climb Through Thunderstorm (N31YV)

Denver, CO, US

On October 2, 1994, a Beech 1900D (registration N31YV) was involved in an aviation accident near Denver, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE CAPTAIN'S INACCURATE EVALUATION OF WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND HIS DECISION TO FLY INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER. A FACTOR WAS THE HAIL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

After a 30-minute delay for falling hail, an airplane took off on runway 35L. While turning to an assigned heading in overcast, the right windshield shattered from heavy precipitation, sending glass into the first officer's eyes. The crew descended to VMC and returned to land.

Flight History

A level 6 thunderstorm passed over the airport from northwest to southeast. Due to falling hail, the captain elected not to take off. After waiting approximately 30 minutes, the flight took off on runway 35L. The captain requested a right turn and was assigned a heading of 080 degrees and cleared to climb to 20,000 feet.

Incident

After takeoff, the airplane entered the overcast and encountered light hail. As it turned onto its assigned heading, the airborne weather radar indicated heavy precipitation ahead. A request was made for a further right turn. Suddenly, the right windshield shattered, sending glass particles into the first officer's eyes.

Return and Landing

The airplane immediately descended to visual meteorological conditions (VMC), returned to the airport, and landed.

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Beechcraft 1900 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Oct 1994 Beech 1900D accident near Denver, CO?

After a 30-minute delay for falling hail, an airplane took off on runway 35L. While turning to an assigned heading in overcast, the right windshield shattered from heavy precipitation, sending glass into the first officer's eyes. The crew descended to VMC and returned to land.

Were there any fatalities in the 2 Oct 1994 Beech 1900D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Oct 1994 involved a Beech 1900D, registration N31YV, at Denver, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE CAPTAIN'S INACCURATE EVALUATION OF WEATHER CONDITIONS, AND HIS DECISION TO FLY INTO KNOWN ADVERSE WEATHER. A FACTOR WAS THE HAIL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02424. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.