Boeing B737-244 Hail Encounter During Climb-Out from Durban (ZS-SID)

Flight History and Accident Sequence On 15 March 2007, a Boeing B737-244 (M/95/057E), registration ZS-SID, operated by Safair (Pty) Ltd, was conducting a domestic scheduled flight. The aircraft arrived at Durban International Airport (FADN) at 1915Z on flight SA6583 from O.R. Tambo International Airport (FAJS). After a 45-minute turnaround, the crew prepared for the return flight, SA6582, to FAJS. Initially positioned on runway 06, the crew repositioned to runway 24 after air traffic control advised of a go-around by another aircraft due to tailwind conditions. The pilot scanned the area with the weather radar, which showed no returns, and the crew obtained take-off clearance. The aircraft climbed steeply, and the co-pilot commenced a right-hand turn towards the Greytown VOR at an indicated airspeed of 280 knots. Despite checking radar settings, no returns were displayed. At 9,000 ft AMSL, the crew encountered light hail, which intensified significantly. The aircraft experienced moderate to severe turbulence, and the crew communicated via hand signals due to noise. The aircraft cleared the clouds at 15,000 ft AMSL and continued to its destination without further incident.