Originally Posted by jfadool

Engineer here,

Lightning is caused by a difference in electric potential. Usually between the clouds and the earth.

The lightning is caused when a large enough potential differential(Voltage) exists, the air begins to conduct electricity. This is called the dielectric breakdown.



Huge misconception the lightning just jumped about 5000' it will have no problems jumping the 2~ feet between the aluminum wheel and the ground. Cars get struck by lightning as well for the same reasons.

The reason you are OK is that the aluminum skin of the plane acts as a faraday cage to keep you safe. The current moves in the skin/frame of the plane/car around you not through you.

My guess as to the lady with the pacemaker, Large EMF caused by the discharge can do crazy things with electronics.