A Delta Air Lines flight was struck by lightning while flying over Seattle on Wednesday.
The flight, which was en route at the time, landed safely with no injuries to passengers or crew.
The airline has initiated an inspection to assess any potential damage caused by the lightning strike.
The incident occurred as the aircraft was traveling through the area, but it did not experience any operational issues due to the strike. The plane continued its journey without incident. Delta Air Lines confirmed that a thorough examination of the aircraft is underway to ensure its safety.
Aviation experts confirm that lightning strikes are not uncommon in the aviation industry, and modern commercial aircraft are designed to withstand such events.
According to Dr. Michael McGuire, an aerodynamics expert, aircraft are built with lightning protection systems, such as conductive materials that allow lightning to pass through the aircraft without causing harm to those on board.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reports that lightning strikes occur on at least one commercial aircraft per year.
Meteorologists note that thunderstorms and certain cloud formations increase the likelihood of lightning strikes.
While pilots are trained to avoid severe weather, they cannot always navigate around areas prone to lightning. Advanced radar systems onboard aircraft help pilots manage these situations safely.
Professor James Collins, an aviation safety expert, said that while lightning strikes can appear alarming, they rarely disrupt the operation of aircraft.
Airlines perform regular maintenance checks, including inspecting lightning protection systems, to ensure continued safety.
Delta Air Lines has assured the public that safety protocols were followed, and the airline is addressing any potential issues related to the strike.