Delta 159 Detroit - Seoul, operated by N664US a B747-451 was initially unable to get clearance to deviate off track while over China (as usual), and ended up flying right through some major storm cells.
It is rumored that the aircraft will be written off, as Delta decided to re-activate N671US which has been sitting at Mojave in long term storage (along with two other Delta -451s). Cheaper to re-activate one of the three frames that were put into storage as they were approaching heavy maintenance.
Aircraft is still AOG at RKSI and Delta is working on a one time ferry permit with Boeing for a one-time ferry straight to Mojave. Rumored to be extensive to leading edges and wings in addition to what is visible in the pictures.
The norm in China is requests to deviate around weather denied, along with having to cruise 10,000 feet below optimum altitude due to airspace restrictions (use by the military).
