Can Lightning Hit a Plane? What Happens, Explained by a Pilot

It's a common worry on stormy days: what if lightning hits the plane? The honest answer is that it does happen, and aircraft are built with exactly that in mind.

Yes, planes can be struck, and they're designed for it

Airliners are designed and certified to cope with lightning. The aircraft's outer skin conducts the electrical current around the outside of the aircraft, and it leaves from another point, often a wingtip or the tail. The cabin, the fuel system and the flight systems are protected inside.

Aircraft also carry small devices called static wicks on the trailing edges of the wings and tail. They help discharge static electricity into the air.

What you might notice

Often, nothing. Some passengers see a bright flash or hear a loud bang. It can be startling, but the aircraft keeps flying normally. Pilots may see the flash too, and we'll follow our procedures: check the systems, report it, and carry on.

What happens after landing

A lightning strike is recorded, and engineers inspect the aircraft before its next flight. Any small marks where the current entered or left are checked and repaired if needed. It's a routine part of aviation maintenance.

How pilots avoid storms in the first place

We'd much rather not meet a thunderstorm at all. Before the flight, we study the weather along the route. In flight, we use weather radar and information from air traffic control to steer well around storm cells. If a storm sits over the airport, we can wait, hold or divert. You can read more in what pilots do during a storm.

Strikes most often happen when an aircraft passes through cloud near storm areas, typically during climb or descent, not by flying into a thunderstorm.

Staying calm on a stormy day

• Remember the design. The aircraft is built to handle this.
• Breathe slowly: in for a count of five, out for a count of five.
• Expect some bumps near weather. Read is turbulence dangerous? to know why bumps are a comfort issue.
• Keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you're seated.

The captain's bottom line

Lightning can hit a plane, and the plane is designed for it. Pilots work hard to avoid storms, and if a strike does happen, the aircraft keeps flying and is checked after landing. For calm explanations you can read at the gate, get my free guide.

This article is general information, not medical or professional advice. Always follow instructions from your crew. If fear of flying seriously affects your life, please speak to a doctor or qualified therapist.