Delta Air Lines Flight 185 Hail Damage Incident at Malpensa (N189DN)

Incident Overview and Aircraft Details On July 24, 2023, at 10:58 UTC, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 767-332(ER) with registration N189DN, operating as Flight DL185, encountered severe hail during its climb after takeoff from Milan Malpensa Airport. The aircraft was on a scheduled commercial passenger flight to New York JFK. The incident occurred at 13,000 feet while executing the DOGUB 6T Standard Instrument Departure (SID). ## Damage and Diversion The hailstorm caused extensive damage to the aircraft, including a cracked First Officer's windshield, a large hole in the radome, and significant damage to engine nozzles, wing leading-edge panels, and various exterior lights. The crew initially considered returning to Malpensa but ultimately decided to divert to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) for a precautionary landing. The aircraft landed overweight at 11:55 UTC without further issues. ## Crew and Passenger Information The flight carried 226 people: 214 passengers, 8 cabin crew members, and 4 flight crew members. The flight crew consisted of a Captain, a Line Check Pilot (LCP), a First Officer, and a Relief Officer. Both the Captain and First Officer were undergoing line checks during the flight. The Captain's line check was later deemed unsatisfactory, while the First Officer's was satisfactory. ## Investigation Context The Italian National Agency for Flight Safety (ANSV) conducted the safety investigation in accordance with EU Regulation 996/2010 and ICAO Annex 13. The NTSB, representing the state of design, production, operator, and registration, accredited a representative to the investigation. The EASA also provided collaboration. The investigation's sole objective was to prevent future incidents, not to assign blame or liability.