Kathmandu. IndiGo flight 6E-2142 from Delhi to Srinagar in India has been in the news after a plane was struck by lightning on Wednesday amid bad weather. The incident caused a lot of panic among the passengers, but due to the presence of the pilot and modern technology, the plane landed safely at the Srinagar airport. However, the front part of the aircraft was damaged in this incident.
After this incident, many people are wondering what exactly happens when lightning strikes an aircraft. Let’s understand this.
What happens when lightning strikes an aircraft?
When it comes to lightning, a scary image comes to our mind. But, did you know that airplanes are specifically designed to withstand lightning? The structure and security system of modern aircraft are so advanced that the effects of lightning usually do not reach passengers.
Science behind aircraft safety{
The outer layer of an aircraft is usually composed of conductive metals such as aluminum. They are equipped with special ‘conductive coating’. This coating directs the electricity on the outer surface of the aircraft in the other direction. So that it can travel from one end of the plane to the other and then exit.
Special attention to passenger safety
In this way, lightning touches the plane but does not reach its interior, such as the cockpit, passenger cabin or fuel tank. That is, the aircraft is designed in such a way that the effects of lightning do not reach the passengers. Everything from cockpits to passenger seats is based on the Faraday Cage principle. Which limits electricity to the outer surface. As a result, passengers are neither shocked nor electrocuted. However, when lightning strikes, a small burn mark may appear on the aircraft’s outer surface. In the context of the Delhi-Srinagar flight, lightning and hailstorm damaged the nose of the aircraft, which was an unusual situation.
How often do such incidents occur?
According to statistics, on an average, lightning strikes once in every 1,000 flight hours in every commercial aircraft. That is, an aircraft can be struck by lightning several times in its lifetime. Yet, because of modern safety standards, such incidents rarely lead to serious accidents.
Post-landing check
Ground engineers conduct a thorough inspection of the aircraft when it lands after lightning strikes. They ensure there is no damage to sensors, wires, or other systems. Damaged parts are replaced if needed. Static dischargers attached to the wings, tail and nose of the aircraft help to spread electricity safely. Similarly, fuel tanks are protected with double shielding with special insulation and communication equipment.
On Wednesday evening, IndiGo flight 6E-2142 was taking off from Delhi to Srinagar. At that time, the weather suddenly changed in Srinagar. The aircraft suffered intense turbulence amid strong winds, heavy rain and hail. At that moment, lightning flashed on the plane. Passengers said there was a loud noise as the plane shook and panic gripped the cabin. Some passengers started praying out of fear, while the children started crying.
The pilot immediately informed the Srinagar Air Traffic Control about the emergency situation and wisely landed the plane safely at 6.30 pm. All the 227 passengers and crew on board are safe.
However, investigations have revealed that the front part of the aircraft was damaged, especially due to the effects of nose lightning and hail. IndiGo has temporarily grounded the aircraft for technical inspection.
