The U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron—nicknamed the “Hurricane Hunters”—hit heavy turbulence while flying through Hurricane Melissa on Tuesday and was forced to turn back.
In a statement, the 403rd Wing said one of the Hurricane Hunters’ aircraft was subjected to forces “stronger than normal” while entering the eye of the Category 5 storm. The crew flew back to its forward operating location in Curaçao, where the aircraft will be inspected for possible damage.
