What Happens When Lightning Strikes a Plane?
Airplanes are designed to endure extreme weather conditions, but one of the most dramatic natural phenomena they face is lightning. On average, commercial aircraft are struck by lightning about once a year, yet serious accidents due to lightning strikes are extremely rare. This raises an intriguing question: what happens when lightning strikes a plane?
In this article, we will explore the science behind lightning strikes on airplanes, the engineering that protects aircraft, and what passengers might experience during such an event.
Understanding Lightning and Its Impact on Planes
Lightning is an electrical discharge caused by an imbalance between storm clouds and the ground or between different parts of a cloud. The discharge can reach temperatures of up to 30,000 Kelvin (53,540°F), which is hotter than the surface of the Sun.
When an airplane flies through a storm, it can act as a conductor, triggering a lightning strike. A plane does not necessarily need to be hit by a pre-existing bolt; instead, its movement through charged clouds can initiate the discharge.
What Happens When Lightning Strikes a Plane?
When lightning strikes an aircraft, several things occur almost instantaneously:
1. The Lightning Bolt Hits the Fuselage
Typically, lightning will strike a point on the aircraft with the highest electrical potential, such as the nose or the wingtips. The electrical charge then travels through the plane’s conductive aluminum or composite fuselage.
2. The Current Travels Along the Aircraft’s Skin
Modern aircraft are made from aluminum or carbon fiber composites with conductive layers that allow the current to flow along the plane’s surface instead of passing through the cabin. The electrical charge typically exits the aircraft at another extremity, such as the tail or wingtips.
3. Minimal Structural Damage
Although lightning is powerful, aircraft are designed to handle it. The metal skin of the aircraft allows the current to flow around it, preventing internal damage. However, minor surface damage such as scorching or small punctures on the fuselage may occur but rarely compromise flight safety.
4. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) and Aircraft Systems
One concern is the electromagnetic field generated by the lightning strike, which could affect the aircraft’s electronics. However, commercial planes have shielding and grounding measures that protect critical avionics, including navigation and communication systems.
How Aircraft Are Designed to Withstand Lightning Strikes
To ensure passenger safety, aircraft manufacturers implement several protective measures against lightning:
1. Conductive Materials
Aircraft skins are made from aluminum or composite materials with conductive mesh layers that allow electricity to flow safely around the aircraft.
2. Lightning Diverter Strips
Aircraft radomes (nose cones) are made of non-metallic materials, so lightning diverter strips are installed to direct the electrical current safely along the fuselage.
3. Bonding and Grounding
All parts of an aircraft, including hinges and control surfaces, are bonded together with conductive wires, ensuring that the electrical charge does not build up in isolated areas.
4. Shielding for Avionics
Critical avionics, such as autopilot and navigation systems, are encased in shielded compartments to prevent electromagnetic interference from affecting operations.
5. Redundant Systems
Aircraft have backup systems for electrical and navigational components in case of temporary malfunctions caused by lightning.
Do Pilots Take Special Precautions for Lightning?
Yes, pilots follow specific procedures to minimize lightning-related risks:
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Avoidance: Pilots use weather radar to navigate around storms whenever possible.
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Flight Planning: Airlines consider weather conditions during pre-flight planning to minimize exposure to lightning-prone areas.
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In-Flight Monitoring: If lightning is detected, pilots ensure that all systems remain operational and report the strike for post-flight inspection.
Passenger Experience During a Lightning Strike
Most passengers on a plane struck by lightning may not even notice it. However, some signs might indicate a strike:
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A Bright Flash: A sudden bright flash of light may be visible through the windows.
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A Loud Bang or Thump: The sound of the strike may be heard, similar to a distant thunderclap.
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Momentary Flickering of Lights: In rare cases, cabin lights may flicker due to electromagnetic interference, but power remains stable.
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Turbulence: While not caused by the lightning itself, the storm clouds associated with lightning may cause turbulence.
Despite these effects, modern aircraft are designed to continue flying safely after a strike.
Famous Lightning Strikes on Aircraft
Although rare, some lightning strikes on planes have been noteworthy:
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Pan Am Flight 214 (1963)
One of the few tragic cases of a lightning-induced crash, Pan Am Flight 214 was struck by lightning, igniting fuel vapors in a wing tank, causing the aircraft to explode. This led to improved fuel tank protection in modern aircraft. -
Apollo 12 (1969)
NASA’s Apollo 12 mission was struck by lightning twice during launch, temporarily disabling its electrical systems. Fortunately, backup systems restored power, allowing a successful Moon mission. -
KLM Flight 867 (1989)
A KLM Boeing 747 was struck by lightning over Alaska but continued its flight safely, proving modern aircraft’s resilience.
Conclusion: Is Lightning a Serious Threat to Airplanes?
While lightning is a powerful force of nature, aircraft are designed to handle direct strikes safely. Engineering advancements ensure that lightning passes harmlessly through an aircraft’s structure without affecting passengers or crew.
For travelers, the risk of a lightning-related accident is extremely low, and pilots are trained to handle such events. Next time you fly through a storm and see a flash of light, rest assured that the plane is built to keep you safe.
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