Yes, lightning can and does strike airplanes. It happens more frequently than many realize, with estimates suggesting that most commercial planes are struck once or twice a year. In fact, approximately 90% of lightning strikes on aircraft are believed to be initiated by the plane itself.
How Lightning Strikes Airplanes
- During thunderstorms: Airplanes flying through charged storm clouds act as a path for electricity, resulting in a lightning strike.
- Outside thunderstorms: Surprisingly, airplanes can be struck by lightning even when no thunderstorms are nearby. The aircraft itself can sometimes trigger the lightning strike.
What Happens When a Plane is Struck?
Airplanes are designed with built-in safety features to handle lightning strikes. The metallic structure of the aircraft conducts the electrical current, essentially acting as a Faraday cage. This protects the passengers and crew inside. While the initial strike might seem dramatic, typically:
- Nothing noticeable happens: Passengers usually don't feel or see anything.
- Minimal damage: The electrical systems are designed to withstand such strikes, though high-intensity strikes can sometimes cause minor damage to systems relying on sensitive electronics.
- Post-flight checks: After a suspected lightning strike, the plane undergoes a thorough inspection for any potential damage.
Examples: Numerous reports and news articles detail instances of airplanes being struck by lightning, both during and outside of thunderstorms, often with no noticeable impact on the flight.
In short: While a lightning strike to an airplane sounds alarming, the aircraft's design and construction minimize risk and ensure passenger safety.
