Paragraph 1: A dramatic video captured the moment a British Airways aircraft was struck by lightning while parked at a gate at São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport in Brazil. The incident occurred on a rainy Friday as passengers awaited boarding. The footage, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Bernhard Warr, vividly depicts the lightning bolt striking the tail of the plane. The video appears to be edited in slow motion, highlighting the intensity of the electrical discharge and its impact on the aircraft. One ground crew member can be seen walking calmly towards the rear of the plane, seemingly unfazed by the dramatic event, suggesting the slow-motion effect was added post-recording.
Paragraph 2: The lightning strike immediately raised concerns about the safety and airworthiness of the aircraft. Warr, a prospective passenger on the flight, expressed his apprehension on social media, inquiring about the necessary checks and procedures following such an event. His query, “What sort of checks will get done on it?”, reflects the common passenger concern about the potential damage caused by lightning strikes and the subsequent safety measures implemented by airlines. This incident underscores the vulnerability of aircraft to natural phenomena, even when parked on the ground, highlighting the importance of robust safety protocols.
Paragraph 3: Lightning strikes on aircraft are relatively common occurrences, although rarely causing catastrophic damage. Modern aircraft are designed with inherent protection against lightning strikes. The fuselage of the plane acts as a Faraday cage, distributing the electrical current around the exterior of the aircraft and preventing it from penetrating the cabin. This protective effect minimizes the risk to passengers and internal systems. However, a lightning strike necessitates a thorough inspection to assess any potential damage to sensitive electronic equipment, navigation systems, and the structural integrity of the aircraft.
Paragraph 4: Following a lightning strike, aircraft undergo a series of rigorous inspections to ensure their continued airworthiness. These inspections typically involve visual assessments for external damage, checks on the electrical systems, and specialized testing of sensitive components. Maintenance crews meticulously examine the aircraft’s skin for burn marks, entry and exit points of the lightning strike, and any potential structural deformation. The electrical systems are thoroughly tested to identify any malfunctions or irregularities caused by the electrical surge. Furthermore, the aircraft’s navigation and communication systems are rigorously evaluated to confirm their proper functioning.
Paragraph 5: The specific checks performed on the British Airways aircraft after the lightning strike would have likely included a detailed examination of the tail section, the primary point of impact. The inspection would have focused on assessing any damage to the aircraft’s skin, the integrity of the vertical stabilizer, and the functionality of the rudder and elevator control systems. Additionally, the aircraft’s lightning protection system, designed to dissipate the electrical current, would have been thoroughly inspected to ensure its continued effectiveness. Any compromised components would have been replaced or repaired before the aircraft was cleared for flight.
Paragraph 6: Despite the dramatic nature of the lightning strike, Warr later confirmed on social media that he had arrived safely in London. This indicates that the necessary inspections and repairs were completed successfully, allowing the aircraft to resume its scheduled flight. While British Airways did not provide specific details about the incident or the extent of any damage, Warr’s safe arrival suggests that the aircraft was deemed airworthy after undergoing the mandatory safety checks. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential impact of unforeseen weather events on air travel and the importance of adherence to stringent safety protocols within the aviation industry.
