May I meekly point out: it is possible they hit a hail shaft many miles from the CB radar signature. I am reminded of the Valujet DC-9 that hit hail external to the clouds going from ATL to Chattanooga many years ago.
Very true, anyone that lives or flies in the Midwest/south of the US can tell you or has experienced encountering large hail miles from any visible cells.
Twice I encountered hail while well clear, 20 miles or more, of any cell painted on radar and flown into hail, once in a Kingair 90, the other time in a 727. Fortunately both times it was light hail, pea size and only damaged paint. But the noise was unbelievable. Both times we were in the hail for only seconds.
So don’t be so quick to blame the guy in the left seat.
Oh, I've flown in China as well.