An Air Canada Boeing 777-300ER experienced a lightning strike during takeoff from Vancouver International Airport.
The aircraft was set to embark on a 10-hour intercontinental journey from Canada’s West Coast to London’s Heathrow Airport, continued its flight after the incident and landed safely.
Despite Boeing encountering quality control challenges, this uncommon occurrence underscores the robust design of aircraft and showcases its capability to withstand lightning strikes.
Ethan West, a student pilot and planespotter, found himself situated in a park beyond the end of the runway when a Boeing 777 encountered a lightning strike during takeoff.
His initial purpose was to capture the aircraft’s departure, as the Boeing 777’s loud engines made it one of his favorite planes.
He expressed his inquisitiveness about the possible outcome and pondered if the aircraft might need to divert because of the established checklists. He acknowledged that there would not be any serious issues, but he was interested in knowing if passengers knew the situation.
Though the video footage captured was dramatic, it’s pertinent to note that large aircraft have many features to safeguard occupants from lightning.
In its explanation, the Flight Safety Foundation revealed that the inherent design of an aircraft’s hull serves as a Faraday cage that shields everyone inside.
