The storm over Denver was a monster—hail the size of golf balls, winds throwing ramp equipment like toys. Flight 2219, a 737-800, was on final approach when lightning struck the radome.
They landed at 3,100 feet, rolling to a stop just before the overrun lights. No injuries. No fire. Just a 737-800 sitting sideways on the runway, hail-dented but intact. boeing 737-800 technical manual
"Landing distance?" the FO asked.
Ellis held up the manual, its cover taped and coffee-stained. The storm over Denver was a monster—hail the
In the cockpit, the master caution light blazed. Captain Ellis scanned the screens: IRS fault, FLT CONTROL LOW PRESSURE, AUTO THROTTLE DISCONNECT . The first officer, young and sharp but only 300 hours in type, started reading the QRH—the quick reference handbook. No injuries
A former avionics tech
Ellis reached over and pulled C809— FLAP LOAD LIMIT —a breaker no pilot had ever pulled in training. Then he engaged the alternate flaps switch. Slowly, agonizingly, the 737-800’s trailing edge flaps extended 15 degrees. Not much, but enough.