Date: 20th December 2024
Location: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, NC, USA
Aircraft: Airbus A321-200, registration N996AN
Operator: American Airlines
Flight Number: AA-506
Route: Charlotte, NC (USA) to Seattle, WA (USA)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 20th December 2024, American Airlines Flight AA-506, an Airbus A321-200, was climbing out of Charlotte en route to Seattle when it was struck by lightning. The strike caused damage to the aircraft’s nose. As a precautionary measure, the crew stopped their climb at FL290 and decided to return to Charlotte Douglas International Airport. The aircraft landed safely on Runway 36C approximately 55 minutes after departure.
The FAA later confirmed that the lightning strike damaged the aircraft’s nose. The occurrence aircraft was grounded for inspections and repairs, while passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, which completed the journey to Seattle with a significant delay.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure:
• Flight AA-506 departed Charlotte Douglas International Airport for its cross-country journey to Seattle. Weather conditions included active thunderstorm activity in the vicinity.
2. Lightning Strike:
• During the climb, the aircraft was struck by lightning, with the strike causing damage to the aircraft’s nose section.
3. Crew Decision:
• After assessing the situation, the crew levelled the aircraft at FL290 and coordinated with air traffic control to return to Charlotte for a precautionary landing.
4. Landing:
• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 36C, where it was inspected by maintenance crews. Passengers were disembarked and arrangements were made for their onward journey.
5. Replacement Aircraft:
• A substitute Airbus A321-200, registration N581UW, completed the flight to Seattle the following day, resulting in a delay of approximately 13 hours and 45 minutes.
6. Aircraft Inspection:
• The occurrence aircraft remained on the ground in Charlotte for about 41 hours for thorough inspections and repairs before returning to service.
Aircraft Details
• Type: Airbus A321-200
• Registration: N996AN
• Engine Type: 2x CFM56-5B3/P engines
• Configuration: Passenger aircraft
The Airbus A321 is designed to withstand lightning strikes, with its structure providing a Faraday cage effect to protect passengers and internal systems. Despite this, lightning strikes can still result in damage to external components such as the nose cone, radome, or wingtips.
Initial Findings
1. Damage:
• The lightning strike caused external damage to the aircraft’s nose, including potential damage to the radome and associated avionics housed within.
2. Operational Impact:
• The strike necessitated a precautionary return to Charlotte, delaying the flight significantly and impacting airline operations.
3. Weather Conditions:
• Active thunderstorms in the vicinity of the airport posed a known risk of lightning activity.
Safety Implications
1. Lightning Risk Management:
• This incident highlights the importance of avoiding thunderstorm activity during departure and climb phases, where aircraft are particularly vulnerable to lightning strikes.
2. Aircraft Resilience:
• The event underscores the robust design of modern aircraft, which are engineered to manage lightning strikes without compromising passenger safety.
3. Passenger Communication:
• Timely updates and reassurance for passengers during such events are crucial to maintaining confidence in the airline’s safety protocols.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Weather Awareness:
• Strengthen procedures for weather monitoring and tactical avoidance of storm activity, particularly during climb and descent phases.
2. Inspection Protocols:
• Ensure thorough post-strike inspections, focusing on areas prone to lightning-related damage such as the radome, wingtips, and external sensors.
3. Passenger Handling:
• Review contingency plans for delays and ensure passengers are adequately accommodated and informed in the event of diversions or returns.
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