Can a plane be struck by lightning
Here’s What You Need to Know
It might seem unlikely, but an aircraft can be struck by lightning even when there are no thunderstorms in the vicinity. This happens more often than most realize, and about 90% of lightning strikes on airplanes are thought to be triggered by the aircraft itself.
Even more surprisingly, 40% of all lightning-related incidents involving planes occur in areas where no thunderstorms have been reported.
Aircraft and Lightning Strikes: How They Happen
There have been numerous cases where planes flying in or near clouds have been struck by lightning, despite the lack of natural lighting from nearby thunderstorms. An aircraft’s presence in the atmosphere can disrupt electrical activity, causing a lightning strike.
The Apollo 12 Example: A Case of Aircraft-Initiated Lightning
A well-known example of aircraft-initiated lightning occurred during the Apollo 12 launch in November 1969 at Kennedy Space Center. As the Saturn V rocket ascended, it was struck by lightning twice, despite no other lightning being recorded within six hours of the event. The weather at the time featured broken cumulus clouds and light rain–not the conditions typically associated with lightning.
Are Lightning Strikes Dangerous for Aircraft?
While lightning strikes on aircraft can cause significant damage, catastrophic accidents are rare. One of the few tragic incidents happened in 1963 when a Pan American Airlines Boeing 707 was struck by lightning while flying over Maryland. The lightning caused the fuel tank to explode, leading to the destruction of the aircraft.
However, most lightning strikes on planes result in minor surface damage, such as small pits or scars on the aircraft’s exterior. In the U.S., it’s estimated that commercial airliners are struck by lightning about once every 3,000 flight hours, or roughly once per year.
Factors Contributing to Aircraft-Initiated Lightning
Aircraft don’t need to fly through severe thunderstorms to trigger a lightning strike. All that’s required is an environment favorable to electrical discharge. Most strikes occur when planes are flying near the “melting level”, where the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
Aircraft-initiated lightning strikes most frequently occur at altitudes between 10,000 and 16,000 feet, especially during warmer months when these conditions are more common. Planes flying in these environments are more likely to encounter lightning due to the instability in the atmosphere.
The Role of Low-Topped Convection in Lightning Strikes
Natural lighting typically forms in deep, moist storm systems where cloud tops rise well above the melting level. For lightning to develop naturally, three key ingredients must be present: ice crystals, graupel, and supercooled liquid water.
When these elements aren’t in sufficient supply, natural lightning won’t form, but the cloud may still contain enough electrical energy to trigger a lightning strike when an aircraft passes through.
Aircraft-initiated lightning commonly occurs in areas with local air mass instability and low-topped convection. These clouds, while not producing natural lightning, can still have enough electrical activity for an aircraft to disturb, initiating a strike.
Lightning Strikes in Clouds and Precipitation
The majority of lightning strikes to aircraft happen within clouds, often when precipitation such as rain, snow, or hail is present. This is especially common near the melting level, where different forms of precipitation can mix and increase the likelihood of a strike.
Tips for avoiding Lightning Strikes While Flying
While the FAA recommends that pilots avoid thunderstorms, this isn’t always enough to prevent lightning strikes. Aircraft-initiated lightning can still occur in areas without active storms. To reduce the risk, it’s best to avoid flying in clouds or areas of precipitation, especially near the melting level.
Flying in clear, cloud-free air whenever possible and steering clear of unstable weather conditions can greatly reduce the chances of being struck by lightning while airborne.
Conclusion: Aircraft-Initiated Lightning Strikes Are Rare but Real
While lightning strikes on aircraft are a rare phenomenon, they can happen even when thunderstorms are not present. By understanding the conditions that can trigger aircraft-initiated lightning, pilots can reduce their exposure and keep flights safe. Staying aware of cloud formations, precipitation, and weather instability is crucial for minimizing the risk.
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