Lightning Strikes on Planes: How Worried Should Passengers Be?

A recent event involving a British Airways plane struck by lightning while approaching Heathrow Airport has raised questions about the frequency and danger of such incidents.

On Sunday, dramatic footage captured the moment a British Airways aircraft was struck by lightning. A passenger described the experience as "shocking," leading to widespread curiosity about the risks involved.

Experts assure that passengers have little reason for concern. Veteran pilot Terry Tozer, author of "Confessions of an Airline Pilot - Why Planes Crash," Air Canada captain Doug Morris, and flight instructor James Moy from Flight Sport Aviation explain the situation.

According to Doug Morris, airliners are struck by lightning approximately once every 5,000 flight hours, which averages to about once a year. The FAA also estimates that every airliner in the U.S. is struck annually.

Terry Tozer reveals that lightning strikes typically cause minor issues: "A lightning strike can affect some instruments but isn't usually serious because the aircraft isn't earthed. There might be superficial damage, but it's often minimal." He recalls experiencing only minor damage in his career, which required an aircraft to be checked but posed no immediate danger.

Pilots might not always be aware of a strike unless it causes noticeable disruptions. James Moy mentions that modern aircraft are designed to withstand lightning strikes, with systems continuing to operate normally despite temporary disruptions.

Terry Tozer notes that modern aircraft have lightning detection equipment and weather radar. While lightning typically originates from cumulonimbus clouds visible on radar, occasional "dry storms" might not be detected, posing a surprise risk.

Terry shares that dramatic stories of lightning traveling through the cabin are rare and not usually harmful. The main concern for pilots is managing the risk and avoiding more severe weather conditions, like hail, which can cause physical damage.

Passengers need not worry excessively about lightning strikes. Modern aircraft are well-equipped to handle such events, ensuring safety and continuity of flight operations. As James Moy reassures, "Passengers should feel confident in the aircraft's ability to withstand lightning strikes."