AP U.S. News
Updated 2:13 AM ET May 14, 2001

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - Hail as large as softballs caused serious damage to 13
   commercial airplanes and broke windows of more than 200 cars in the parking lot at
   Eppley Airfield. 

   Sunday's hail storm damaged engines and wings, forcing airlines to take planes out of service until they could be inspected, said Dale Washburn, operation supervisor at the airport. 

   "There are some big dents," Washburn said. "We have a couple of airplanes with 5-inch diameter holes." 

   America West and Continental Airlines were among the carriers forced to cancel flights after the storm. 

   Twelve more planes were reported damaged at TAC Air and Elliott Beachcraft, two general aviation businesses located at the airport. 

   There were no reports of injuries.