What happens if lightning hits a plane?

In brief

• Lightning strikes on planes aren’t rare and aircraft are both designed and certified to withstand lightning strikes
• The electrical current of lightning travels around the outside of the aircraft, not through the cabin
• Planes are inspected after a strike to ensure there’s no damage

Lightning strikes on planes are normal

Lightning strikes on plains aren’t rare and they rarely cause a problem. Aircraft are designed, tested, and certified to handle being struck by lightning. The huge electrical current generated by a lightning strike travels around the outside of the plane, meaning passengers inside are never in danger.

The average plane is hit once or twice a year, says the National Weather Service. Despite not being a danger to the plane, if it happens, they’re always checked before flying again.

We’re going to explore what happens when a lightning strike hits your plane, and why it’s nothing to be worried about.

What happens when lightning strikes a plane

When lightning strikes a plane it typically hits the nose or wingtip. When it hits any part of the plane, it travels along the plane before exiting at the rear.

At no time does the electrical current pass through the cabin or endanger passengers. This is because planes act as Faraday cages.

Aircraft structures are conductive shells. When hit by lightning, the energy is directed around the outside, protecting passengers and the plane’s essential systems.

If your plane is hit by lightning you may hear the sound (a loud bang) and the lights may momentarily flicker – but the plane will continue to fly safely.

Why planes – and passengers – are safe in a lightning strike

Modern aircraft are built to cope with a direct lightning strike. Both aluminium and composite hulled aircraft will transport the current around the outside of the plane. 

This is called the Current Return Path (CRP) or Electrical Structure Network (ESN). This can safely cope with an incredible 200,000 amps.

Components used inside the plane are protected too. Specifically, they’re electrically bonded. As this detailed guide explains, current can move smoothly through the aircraft without jumping (which could be dangerous). All critical safety systems and control systems are protected, too.

This protection isn’t theoretical, it’s been practically tested. Every aircraft will have been tested to ensure it can cope with a lightning strike. It’s part of the certification procedure, so you can have complete confidence every time you fly.

Lightning isn’t a danger to commercial aircraft ,but storms can be. While pilots won’t be concerned about a lightning strike, they’ll be working to avoid the most intense parts of storm systems, 

Here’s an explanation of why pilots avoid storms (and what happens if you fly near one)

What happens after a lightning strike?

Lightning strikes won’t pose a problem to the plane. It will continue to fly and you’ll arrive at your destination. When you land, the aircraft will be inspected to ensure it’s in airworthy condition. This is a precaution and doesn’t mean you were ever in danger.

When they inspect the plane, engineers will check for small lightning entry and exit points on the exterior of the plane and check all key systems. 

In rare cases, engineers may spot a problem, but the majority of lightning strikes cause no damage at all and the plane is safe to fly to its next destination. 

Why a lightning strike shouldn’t cause stress

On the ground, lightning is something to be afraid of (even though the chances are low). On a plane you’re actually safer, with the energy safely carried around the outside of the aircraft. 

The plane is designed and tested to ensure it’s safe and with no commercial flight accidents caused by lightning in recent decades, you can have complete confidence you’ll be safe.

If you encounter bad weather and lightning during a flight, focus on what’s happening – not what you think could happen – and how safe the plane is. Breathing exercises and grounding techniques can all help, and you’ll find them in our free Calm Flight Toolkit.

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