Date: 5th December 2024
Location: Manchester Airport, England, UK
Aircraft: Embraer ERJ-145, registration G-SAJH
Operator: Loganair
Flight Number: LM-26
Route: Manchester (England) to Aberdeen (Scotland), UK
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 5th December 2024, Loganair flight LM-26, an Embraer ERJ-145 departing from Manchester to Aberdeen, encountered a lightning strike during its initial climb. The strike caused visible cracking to the captain’s windshield. The crew stopped the climb at FL170 and returned the aircraft to Manchester for a safe landing approximately 40 minutes after departure. No injuries were reported, and the aircraft was grounded for inspection and repairs.
Aircraft Information
The Embraer ERJ-145 is a twin-engine regional jet commonly used for short-haul routes. The aircraft is equipped with lightning protection systems to mitigate damage during strikes, but severe strikes can occasionally result in structural damage or system malfunctions.
Sequence of Events
1. Initial Climb:
• The aircraft departed Manchester Airport and was climbing towards FL170 when it encountered a lightning strike.
2. Crew Response:
• The flight crew assessed the situation and observed damage to the captain’s windshield.
• They decided to return to Manchester as a precautionary measure.
3. Landing:
• The aircraft made a safe landing on its departure runway approximately 40 minutes after takeoff.
4. Post-Landing Actions:
• The airline confirmed the lightning strike and released an image showing cracks in the captain’s windshield.
• The aircraft was grounded for inspection and maintenance.
Initial Findings
Lightning Strike Impact
• Lightning strikes typically travel along the aircraft’s outer conductive structure, exiting via designated discharge points.
• In this case, the strike caused visible cracking of the captain’s windshield, likely due to the intense electrical discharge and associated thermal stresses.
Aircraft Systems
• No further system failures or anomalies were reported during the return flight.
• The windshield’s outer protective layers effectively absorbed the strike’s impact, maintaining cabin pressurisation.
Safety Risks
1. Structural Damage:
• Lightning strikes can cause minor to moderate damage to structural components, such as windshields, wingtips, or antennas.
2. Flight Crew Workload:
• Lightning strikes can increase the crew’s workload and require swift decision-making to ensure passenger safety.
3. Operational Disruption:
• The event caused a delay for passengers and required the aircraft to be grounded for repairs.
Recommendations
1. Inspection Protocols:
• Conduct thorough inspections of the windshield and other external surfaces following a lightning strike to identify and repair any damage.
2. Crew Training:
• Ensure flight crews are well-trained to handle lightning strike scenarios, including swift damage assessments and communication with air traffic control.
3. Maintenance and Repair:
• Regularly inspect and maintain aircraft lightning protection systems to minimise potential damage during strikes.
4. Passenger Awareness:
• Communicate effectively with passengers to explain the safety measures taken in response to such incidents.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the effectiveness of modern aircraft lightning protection systems in ensuring safe operations even during unexpected weather events. The crew’s decision to return to Manchester demonstrates adherence to standard operating procedures and prioritisation of passenger safety.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
