Thundering lightning strikes (Image Credit: Pixabay) This charge is believed to be so strong that it repels electrons (the negatively charged particles) toward the ground, essentially turning the ground into a positively charged end.
Struck by lightning series#
Do you know why commercial air safety became a long-term trend? Because all aircraft possess protection from lightning strikes and go through a series of rigorous tests to ensure they meet the safety standards.Scientists opine that lightning can be caused by the collision of ice particles with a cloud containing an excessive negative charge. The investigation carried out by the Civil Aeronautics Board concluded that a bolt of lightning struck one of the aircraft’s fuel tanks, causing an explosion and destroying one of the wings.ĭespite the frequency of lightning strikes, crashes following such occurrence are rare. On December 8, 1963, for example, Pan Am Flight 214 was struck by lightning on approach to Philadelphia and crashed killing 81. The occurrence can, however, be more serious, having resulted in extensive post-lightning strike repairs or even aircraft crashes in the past. Today, when an aircraft is struck by lightning, the result can range from little-to-no-damage. Check it out! It has been more than 50 years since the last major accident caused by a lightning strike Luckily, there is a solution to not only decrease the time of aircraft lightning strike inspections by 75% but also minimize the associated costs. It is estimated that the occurrence can cost airlines more than $ 2 billion per year in flight delays or cancellations.
Thus, prior to the next flight, the aircraft is grounded and thoroughly inspected for damage, affecting its availability. When struck by lightning, the aircraft must undergo a thorough inspection to ensure its airworthiness. The occurrence can cost airlines more than $ 2 billion per year The reason is that lightning activity is more frequent passing through the clouds during the climb and descent phases of flight at an altitude of 1,524 to 4,572 meters.Īlthough it may sound terrifying, lightning strikes to aircraft are relatively common but rarely pose a threat to its continued safe operation: aircraft incorporate extensive lightning strike protection and are, therefore, prepared to withstand the occurrence. In most of the cases, lightning strikes are triggered by the aircraft itself. 90 percent of aircraft lightning strikes are self-triggered Around 60 percent of all lightning strikes occur from March through July. It is interesting to note that lightning mostly strikes at near-freezing temperatures, during turbulence. Lightning interaction with aircraft occurs every 1,000 flight hoursĮven though lightning activity can vary by geographic location, its frequency is such that, according to the International Air Transport Association ( IATA), an aircraft is struck by lightning every 1,000 flight hours, the equivalent of one strike per aircraft per year. It translates to 40-100 lightning strikes every second worldwide. Did you know that, in most of the cases, lightning strikes are triggered by the aircraft itself? If not, the statistics about aircraft and lightning strikes we are about to present are definitely for you.Īt any given moment, there can be as many as 1,800 thunderstorms in progress. On average, every commercial aircraft is struck by lightning once or twice a year.
0 kommentar(er)
