So we get into TUL this morning before a cell craps on the field. Everything is looking allright for departure so we board up the pax and I tell the FA that we will probably have to wait 10 or so minutes for a cell to pass through. Boy was I wrong...

We are about to hand out the paperwork when some wicked winds, rain, and thunder+lightning batter the airport. The airplane we were in had the older mechanical gust-lock so the yoke was jumping all over the place. The yoke was fluttering back and forth. It was moving at least 8 inches backwards before slamming back forward... and the gust lock was on. The airplane is rocking back and forth, rain is moving horizontally, stairs are moving on the ramp, etc. The one report I get from tower was "winds in excess of 56kts..." I say to to hell with this, we are getting off the plane. After everyone is off the plane, the gate agent pulls the jetbridge back just in case.

Even if there wasn't a 50kt limitation for us, I would have still called MX because the tail took a beating.



A destroyed fiberglass fairing that covers one of the hinges

 

These next pics were taken by the ramp supervisor. I wasn't about to get up in the de-ice bucket while the winds were up there. I apologize for the size and quality for I did not take them.

Torn aluminum on the bottom surface of the elevator


Peeled/folded metal as a result of over-extension of the hindge

 

This was from underneath the elevator. You can see daylight where the fairing is supposed be covering.

 

Good call with getting everybody off the plane. You have one for the grandkids now

 

Well done foxcow

 

what was the tail number?

 

Check your PMs

 

PM me the tail too, if you would.

 

Damn Oklahoma and their winds/tornadoes/thunderstorms. I flight instructed in OK..... that was an experience

 

just for clarification, you offloaded via the air-stair in 50kts winds?