What happens if an airplane is struck by lightning?

Lightning will usually hit a protruding part of the plane, such as the nose or the tip of the wing. The fuselage acts like a Faraday cage, protecting the inside of the plane while the voltage moves along the outside of the container.

Why an airplane can be struck by lightning and still be fine?

Airplanes are designed to withstand hundreds of thousands of amperes of electricity—far more electricity than a lightning bolt can deliver. The electricity follows the outer surface of the plane’s frame and then jumps back into the air, thanks to little antenna-like devices called static wicks.

Can planes fly if there is lightning?

Not to worry. The answer to the question “can planes fly in thunderstorms?” is almost always “yes,” and when it’s not, pilots (and the people who help them fly) won’t even try. All but the most severe weather is completely harmless to modern aircraft, including lightning.

Why are there glass balls on lightning rods?

Lightning rods were embellished with ornamental glass balls (now prized by collectors). The main purpose of these balls, however, was to provide evidence of a lightning strike by shattering or falling off.

How often are commercial planes struck by lightning?

In fact, almost every commercial jet is struck by lightning at least once a year! There is a good chance that you’ve been in one when it was struck by lightning; you simply might not have realized that it was actually a lightning strike that hit your plane, and not just a ‘technical aberration’ in the smooth path of the flight.

When was the last time lightning caused a plane crash?

One catalyst for research into lightning effects on aircraft was the crash of a Pan American Boeing 707 in Maryland US in 1963, which killed all 81 people on board. It was the last time lightning caused an airliner to crash in the US.

Should you be afraid of lightning on a plane?

But have no fear. Airlines take great care to fly around electrical storms, or to ground aircraft if there is lightning overhead. If you are struck by lightning onboard, it is more than likely that you will walk away completely unharmed. We suggest you go buy a lottery ticket.

What evidence is left behind when a lightning strike strikes an airplane?

The only evidence left behind in most strikes is a small lightning entry and exit point. In the photo below, you can see where lightning made a small entry point on the top part of the aircraft’s radome (nose) and you can see the exit point about 6 inches lower.