7-3-2024 (VANCOUVER) In a captivating and rare incident, a Boeing 777-300ER operated by Air Canada was struck by lightning just seconds after taking off for a long-haul flight. The striking event, recorded on video and subsequently going viral, has garnered over 290,000 views.
The widebody aircraft, with the registration C-FIVQ, displayed remarkable resilience as it continued its ascent after being hit by the lightning bolt. Despite common misconceptions that lightning strikes aircraft randomly, aviation officials emphasize that planes often play a role in initiating the strikes.
The aircraft, operating as AC860 from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR), experienced the dramatic event on a Sunday. Flight data from FlightAware indicates that it departed from gate D55 at YVR 11 minutes ahead of schedule at 18:14. However, it took another hour before it commenced its journey, taking off from Runway 8R at 19:25 and heading east.
The video footage, captured by Ethan West, a student pilot and avid plane spotter, showcases a thick lightning bolt striking the 777, creating a dramatic flash in the sky. West, who frequently engages in plane spotting at YVR, expressed his desire to capture one of his favorite aircraft in action.
Despite the surprising nature of the incident, West’s initial shock quickly turned to concerns about potential damage to the aircraft or the need for rerouting. He also wondered about the passengers’ awareness of the lightning strike, according to CityNews Vancouver.
???? Air Canada Boeing 777 getting struck by lightning while departing Vancouver, BC over the weekend. pic.twitter.com/naXCRouaVt
— Thenewarea51 (@thenewarea51) March 5, 2024
The aircraft, C-FIVQ, continued its 10-hour journey to LHR and landed safely at 12:17 on Monday. Following its arrival, Air Canada conducted a thorough inspection of the aircraft, as stated in a statement obtained by Global News.
“All aircraft are taken offline to be examined fully by aircraft engineers following any such events,” the airline assured.
While aircraft are generally built to withstand lightning strikes, occasional cases, such as an American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner last year, show that lightning bolts can cause fuselage damage. The National Weather Service (NWS) highlighted that lightning hitting commercial aircraft is common, averaging between one and two times per year. Contrary to popular belief, the NWS explained that planes often initiate lightning strikes due to their presence enhancing the ambient electric fields typical for thunderstorms, facilitating electrical breakdown through the air.
Flight data indicates that C-FIVQ, a 15-year-old 777-300ER, did not sustain any damage, as it returned to YVR on Monday afternoon.
