Aircraft with 46 holes of lightning still flew 9 hours

The British Airways airline (UK) broke 46 holes in a thunderstorm that continued its 9-hour journey despite damage.

According to the Daily Mail on August 3, the flight BA-35 just departed from London Heathrow airport to Chennai City - India on July 22 will be struck by lightning. By the time of landing, the consequences of the lightning strike were newly discovered.

Picture 1 of Aircraft with 46 holes of lightning still flew 9 hours
A plane of British Airways (UK).(Photo: REX).

This Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner cannot return to London the next day while pending repair inspection activities are carried out. Meanwhile, passengers are transferred to another flight. Five days later, the plane, not carrying passengers, returned to London Heathrow airport to continue inspections and resume operations after 24 hours.

British Airways spokesman said: "Our highly skilled engineers have checked and repaired some minor damages caused by thunderstorms before the aircraft returned to passenger service. The safety and security of our customers and crew are always our top priorities. "

According to the company, the aircraft is completely repaired and suitable for continued operation." Aircraft are struck by lightning more often than we think. On average, a private plane is struck by lightning every two years and is designed to accommodate it" - explained pilot Patrick Smith. According to Mr. Smith, thunder does not pass through the cabin, causing passengers to be shocked by the aluminum cover of the aircraft.

Picture 2 of Aircraft with 46 holes of lightning still flew 9 hours
Aircraft hit by lightning is quite common.(Photo: Shutterstock).

Cases of lightning strikes often occur when the aircraft flies through the cumulative clouds at an altitude of 2,000 to 5,000 meters. The only disaster related to lightning was recorded as flight 214 by US airline Pan American World Airways, which ended in 1991. All 81 people on board, including 8 Crew members, killed when the plane crashed in the state of Maryland on December 8, 1963 due to lightning.