Definition
An event in which an aircraft is struck by an electrical discharge from a thunderstorm, either as a direct hit or as part of a discharge path between cloud and ground or between clouds. The current enters the airframe at one point, travels through the conductive skin, and exits at another. Effects can include temporary blinding of the crew, hearing damage from the accompanying thunderclap, burn marks or small holes at entry and exit points, magnetized or disrupted compass and electronic instruments, and damage to avionics or electrical systems.
Plain English
When an aircraft gets hit by lightning. The electricity flows across the outside of the aircraft, comes in at one spot and leaves at another, and can damage instruments or leave small burn marks even when the aircraft itself remains flyable.
Context Anchor
Encountered in thunderstorm avoidance, in-flight weather decisions, and post-flight inspection after suspected lightning contact.
Why Pilots Care
The strike can damage radios, navigation systems, and flight instruments, so the aircraft must be inspected after landing.
Grounding Statement
Picture the airplane briefly becoming part of the path that electricity takes through the air.
Intuition Check
Do not assume a lightning strike always destroys the airplane. Also do not assume it is harmless just because the airplane still flies normally afterward.
Example Sentence 1
After the lightning strike, the crew declared an emergency and diverted to the nearest suitable airport for inspection.
Example Sentence 2
Post-flight inspection confirmed no damage following the lightning strike reported on approach.