Lightning Strike on Piedmont Airlines Embraer ERJ-145 near Charlotte on May 4th, 2024

On the 4th of May 2024, a Piedmont Airlines Embraer ERJ-145, registration N660CL, operating as American Airlines flight AA-5802, was involved in a lightning strike shortly after departure from Charlotte, North Carolina. The flight, which was en route to Evansville, Indiana, was carrying 30 passengers and 3 crew members. The incident occurred during the aircraft’s initial climb from Charlotte’s runway 18C. Despite sustaining the lightning strike, the flight continued uneventfully, eventually landing safely in Evansville approximately 65 minutes after takeoff.

Detailed Event Sequence:

• Departure and Lightning Strike: The Embraer ERJ-145 took off from Charlotte at the scheduled time and began its initial climb through adverse weather conditions. At an altitude yet to be confirmed, the aircraft was struck by lightning, a common occurrence in such conditions, but one that must always be treated with caution. Lightning strikes on aircraft are not uncommon, with modern aircraft designed to withstand them. However, every strike warrants detailed investigation due to the potential for hidden damage to critical systems.
• Crew’s Immediate Actions: After the strike, the crew, both of whom had extensive experience on the type, conducted an immediate assessment of the situation. No abnormal system indications were reported by the flight crew, and all instruments continued to read nominally. The pilots checked with air traffic control, and after confirming no further immediate safety concerns, they chose to continue the climb. The aircraft ascended to its cruising altitude of FL360 (36,000 feet), where the flight proceeded normally without further incident.
• Enroute and Landing: The flight continued en route to Evansville as per its original plan. There were no further weather-related issues or operational irregularities reported during the cruise phase. The flight crew, in consultation with maintenance control, made the decision to conduct a thorough post-flight inspection of the aircraft upon landing, a standard procedure after any reported lightning strike, regardless of immediate indications. The aircraft made a routine approach and landed safely on Evansville’s runway 22, about 65 minutes after departure.

Post-Flight Inspection and Damage Assessment:

Upon arrival in Evansville, the aircraft was subjected to a comprehensive post-flight inspection. Ground engineers discovered that the lightning strike had caused minor damage to the right wing. While the full extent of the damage was deemed minor, such incidents necessitate careful inspection to rule out any potential structural or systems impacts, particularly those that may not be immediately evident.

• FAA Report: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided an official statement confirming the nature of the event. Their report noted: “AIRCRAFT WAS STRUCK BY LIGHTNING AND POST-FLIGHT INSPECTION REVEALED DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT WING, EVANSVILLE, IN.” The FAA further clarified that the damage was indeed minor, and that the lightning strike had occurred during the initial climb out of Charlotte.
• Grounding of Aircraft: Following standard safety protocols, the aircraft was grounded in Evansville for further inspection and potential repairs. As of May 7th, 2024, the aircraft had been out of service for approximately 77 hours (3 days and 5 hours), with maintenance teams working to ensure that all damage was addressed before the aircraft would be cleared for return to service. Lightning strikes, while generally non-threatening due to the protective design of modern aircraft, can lead to complications such as punctures in the fuselage or damage to electronic systems, necessitating a thorough investigation.

Technical Considerations of Lightning Strikes:

Aircraft are designed to endure lightning strikes without suffering significant damage. The fuselage typically acts as a Faraday cage, allowing the electrical charge to pass around the outside of the aircraft and discharge through designated points, usually the wingtips or tail. However, when lightning strikes occur, several areas must be inspected, including the airframe, control surfaces, and avionics systems. The electrical charge can potentially cause internal damage, particularly to composite materials, or lead to interference with electronic systems.

In this case, the minor damage to the right wing may have been superficial, such as scorching or minor puncturing of the skin, but these must be thoroughly assessed to ensure there is no underlying structural damage. Furthermore, lightning can damage static wicks, which are critical for dissipating static electricity during flight, and these would likely be inspected and replaced if necessary.

Conclusion:

The lightning strike involving Piedmont Airlines’ Embraer ERJ-145 on May 4th, 2024, was managed effectively by the flight crew, who acted according to established procedures. Their decision to continue the flight, following a thorough assessment of the situation and consultation with ground maintenance, ensured that the safety of passengers and crew was never compromised. Upon landing, the discovery of minor damage to the aircraft’s right wing prompted the grounding of the aircraft for inspection and repair. The incident highlights the importance of post-lightning strike inspections, regardless of immediate indications, to ensure the ongoing airworthiness of the aircraft.

The aircraft remains on the ground at Evansville as of May 7th, 2024, pending further investigation and repairs. It is expected that once the necessary maintenance is completed, the aircraft will be cleared to return to service.

Ongoing Investigation:

The FAA, in collaboration with Piedmont Airlines’ maintenance teams, continues to assess the damage and ensure that all safety protocols are met before the aircraft is returned to service. While lightning strikes are generally not critical, they serve as reminders of the robust safety protocols in place within the aviation industry to safeguard both passengers and crew.