Definition
Discharges of atmospheric electricity that contact an aircraft in flight, typically occurring in or near thunderstorms. A strike can puncture or burn the aircraft skin, damage electronic and electrical systems, temporarily blind the pilot with a bright flash, and induce currents that disrupt navigation and communication equipment. Aircraft are most often struck when flying near the freezing level in or near convective clouds.
Plain English
When a bolt of electricity from a thunderstorm hits the airplane. It can damage the structure, knock out instruments and radios, and briefly blind the pilot with the flash.
Context Anchor
Used in thunderstorm, weather avoidance, and aircraft inspection discussions, especially when deciding whether to fly near storm activity or inspect an aircraft after a suspected hit.
Derivation
“Lightning” comes from words meaning to make bright or flash with light. “Strike” comes from the idea of hitting or making contact. Together, the phrase points to lightning that does more than appear in the sky—it makes contact with something.
Why Pilots Care
A strike can temporarily blind the crew, damage radios or navigation systems, and trigger emergency procedures even though modern aircraft are designed to conduct the current safely.
Grounding Statement
Picture an aircraft passing near an active thunderstorm and a bright electrical discharge using the airplane as part of its path.
Intuition Check
Do not read “lightning strikes” as just lightning seen nearby. In this context, it means lightning has made contact with something, possibly the aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
After the lightning strike, the crew diverted to the nearest suitable airport so the aircraft could be inspected for structural and electrical damage.
Example Sentence 2
Following two lightning strikes on final approach, the crew performed a full instrument check before landing.