Was my plane struck by lightning?
Oct 4, 2017, 6:36 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: London
Programs: BAEC Silver
Posts: 120
Was my plane struck by lightning?
Flying JNB to LHR on BA54 on 2nd October and there was a quite vigorous lightning storm during boarding and take off.
Just after take off, there was a huge flash, a loud but dull thud on the plane and the lights flickered. Is there any way to determine whether we were indeed struck by lightning. The general consensus amongst my immediate passengers was that it was a lightning strike.
I checked on the plane which was G-CIVZ.
Just after take off, there was a huge flash, a loud but dull thud on the plane and the lights flickered. Is there any way to determine whether we were indeed struck by lightning. The general consensus amongst my immediate passengers was that it was a lightning strike.
I checked on the plane which was G-CIVZ.
Oct 4, 2017, 6:43 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Rio de Janeiro
Programs: BA Oneworld
Posts: 582
The one time that my flight was struck (on a landing approach to LHR) the pilot made an announcement to reassure the passengers that it was something that does not happen often but planes are built to withstand. From what you have said, I think it could be likely. I recall a bright flash and loud bang.
Oct 4, 2017, 6:45 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold; FB Silver; SPG; IHG Gold
Posts: 2,985
Flying JNB to LHR on BA54 on 2nd October and there was a quite vigorous lightning storm during boarding and take off.
Just after take off, there was a huge flash, a loud but dull thud on the plane and the lights flickered. Is there any way to determine whether we were indeed struck by lightning. The general consensus amongst my immediate passengers was that it was a lightning strike.
I checked on the plane which was G-CIVZ.
Just after take off, there was a huge flash, a loud but dull thud on the plane and the lights flickered. Is there any way to determine whether we were indeed struck by lightning. The general consensus amongst my immediate passengers was that it was a lightning strike.
I checked on the plane which was G-CIVZ.
Oct 4, 2017, 6:58 am
#5
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: Milton Keynes
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 202
Sounds familiar. Had a lightning strike taking off from Manchester (UK) many years ago. Cabin lights were off and has my eyes closed for a little sleep, then a sudden flash and pop.
thoughr it was a simple failure of the lights, cabin crew were not looking worried.
The pilot confirmed as much just before the final approach to the destination.
thoughr it was a simple failure of the lights, cabin crew were not looking worried.
The pilot confirmed as much just before the final approach to the destination.
Oct 4, 2017, 6:59 am
#6
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: ORD
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Posts: 8,659
Oct 4, 2017, 7:18 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL/GFl, HH Diamond, BW Diamond, Virgin Voyages Deep Blue Extra, Blue Peter Badge Holder
Posts: 3,937
Sounds similar to my lighting strike on the 777 out of SYD earlier this year.
Was the planes return delayed by chance? I understand engineers are required to check the plane after a strike.
Was the planes return delayed by chance? I understand engineers are required to check the plane after a strike.
Oct 4, 2017, 7:34 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
The aircraft's next flight was BA107 LHR-DXB that day, scheduled departure at 1255 and actual departure at 1254.
Obviously, we can't know now whether G-CIVZ was intended to operate an earlier flight and whether there was some substitution to allow time for a check. But clearly any necessary checks didn't take very long, nor AIUI would one normally expect that.
Oct 4, 2017, 8:25 am
#10
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC GGL/GFl, HH Diamond, BW Diamond, Virgin Voyages Deep Blue Extra, Blue Peter Badge Holder
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The OP's flight - BA54 JNB-LHR on 2 October - was scheduled to arrive at 0655 on 3 October, and actually arrived at 0656.
The aircraft's next flight was BA107 LHR-DXB that day, scheduled departure at 1255 and actual departure at 1254.
Obviously, we can't know now whether G-CIVZ was intended to operate an earlier flight and whether there was some substitution to allow time for a check. But clearly any necessary checks didn't take very long, nor AIUI would one normally expect that.
The aircraft's next flight was BA107 LHR-DXB that day, scheduled departure at 1255 and actual departure at 1254.
Obviously, we can't know now whether G-CIVZ was intended to operate an earlier flight and whether there was some substitution to allow time for a check. But clearly any necessary checks didn't take very long, nor AIUI would one normally expect that.
Oct 4, 2017, 8:34 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: MCO/TPA AA EXP / 5.2 MM
Programs: AAEXP/Marriott Life Platinum
Posts: 374
Many years ago, flying 1st class in a fully loaded 747 HKG to SFO (PanAm or UA-can't remember), we were struck right after take off. Bright flash and a little bump.
The captain confirmed the strike and explained that the plane was safe to continue.
However, we lost lights, electrical for the ovens, and the entire entertainment system.
The captain explained that he could return to HKG after spending hours dumping fuel, then repairing the plane, or we could continue. He asked the passengers their choice.
The majority chose to continue. I think the crew had already decided to continue!
It was a great flight.
The captain confirmed the strike and explained that the plane was safe to continue.
However, we lost lights, electrical for the ovens, and the entire entertainment system.
The captain explained that he could return to HKG after spending hours dumping fuel, then repairing the plane, or we could continue. He asked the passengers their choice.
The majority chose to continue. I think the crew had already decided to continue!
It was a great flight.
Oct 4, 2017, 10:05 am
#12
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Brexile in ADB
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Posts: 7,067
Seem to recall reading (Cockpit confidential???) that on average each plane is hit once a year. Aircraft are aluminium over glass fibre (or in newer aircraft using composites they have lightening conductors built into the skin) so absolutely designed to withstand a lighting strike.
Oct 4, 2017, 10:22 am
#13
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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The one time it happened to me, on a 757 climbing out through the remnants of an electrical storm, there was a bright flash, an almighty BANG, and the plane shuddered. No dismissing it -- for a moment I thought an engine had exploded.
Oct 4, 2017, 8:36 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: San Diego
Programs: Plat Pro AAdvantage, but defected to BAEC
Posts: 1,222
Was on a BA GLA-LHR shuttle back in the late 80s that was hit by lightning on the descent into Heathrow. That wasn't the worst part of the flight. Jim Davidson was down the back end of the "bus" cracking the most awful jokes for the entire flight! 