Can a lightning strike destroy an airplane? Experts answer
Experts explain that a lightning strike does not destroy an airplane. FAA and Airbus statistics show that airliners are struck by lightning 1-2 times a year. The aluminum fuselage acts as a Faraday cage, and composite aircraft have protective meshes. After a strike, an inspection is conducted, usually finding only minor defects.
Specialists have explained how an airplane actually reacts to lightning that hits its skin. The common claim that every aircraft is struck by lightning every year, with a discharge of about 200,000 amperes passing through the entire fuselage and exiting at the tail, is greatly exaggerated. However, lightning strikes on civilian aircraft are indeed not rare. This is reported by Space Daily. FAA and Airbus statistics show that on average a passenger airliner is struck by lightning one to two times a year, roughly every 3,000 flight hours. But this figure is conditional: the risk varies depending on the route, season, and operational characteristics. Aircraft flying frequently in thunderstorm-prone areas are struck noticeably more often. An aircraft can not only be hit by an existing discharge but also trigger its formation. Even far from the most dangerous part of a storm, an airliner can be in a strong electric field, where protruding elements—nose, wings, and tail—form small electrical discharges. These can connect with the storm channel, temporarily including the aircraft in the lightning's path. Due to the high flight speed, the contact point moves along the fuselage, sometimes leaving several small marks on the skin. When lightning strikes, the current can range from 10,000 to 200,000 amperes, though peak values last only fractions of a second. According to the U.S. National Weather Service, the average strength of such a discharge is about 30,000 amperes. In aircraft with aluminum fuselages, the Faraday cage principle applies: the electric charge passes along the outer metal skin, barely affecting the cabin. Modern composite airliners are equipped with metal meshes, foil, and grounding systems that help divert the electric charge. Critical electronics and the fuel system are also protected from possible induced voltage. For passengers, a lightning strike may be accompanied by a flash or a bang, but sometimes it goes almost unnoticed. Pilots do not always see its reflection on instruments. If a discharge is suspected, the aircraft is thoroughly inspected after landing. Specialists check the skin and structure for signs of melting, small punctures, and other damage. In most cases, only minor defects are found.