Lightning hit two planes during a storm in Belgium, causing dramatic scenes and forcing one of them to make an emergency landing.
A TUI passenger aircraft bound for Egypt was forced to return to Brussels Airport shortly after take-off when it was struck by a bolt of lightning, Mail Online reported.
The TUI flight had just departed from Brussels Airport for Hurghada, a popular seaside resort destination, at 1:35 PM local time on December 22. During this early phase of the flight, the plane encountered a severe storm, which led to the lightning strike.
Passengers aboard reported hearing a loud bang and seeing a flash of light, followed by the smell of burning, which caused panic on the plane. This unexpected incident prompted the pilots to make a precautionary return to the airport.
The flight crew decided to divert the plane back to Brussels as a precautionary measure to ensure passenger safety. TUI spokesperson Piet Demeyere confirmed the reason for the landing, stating, "the plane returned to the airport as a precaution."
After safely returning to the airport, the airline took care of the passengers. The airline provided them with accommodations in local hotels and rebooked them on a new flight scheduled for the following Monday.
Flight data from FlightRadar24 shows that the aircraft made a sharp, narrow loop back to Brussels shortly after the strike occurred, highlighting the flight crew's quick reaction to the emergency.
On the same day, a cargo plane also experienced a lightning strike in a separate but related event. A dashcam from a vehicle on the Brussels ring road recorded this incident, unlike the passenger plane's ordeal.
The footage showed a startling moment when the lightning bolt lit up the night sky, appearing to pass completely through the airplane. Despite the dramatic visuals, the cargo plane did not have to return and continued on to its destination in Qatar.
The spokesperson for Brussels Airport referred to the cargo plane incident, explaining in a statement to the Belgian Dutch-language news site HLN, "But despite the impact, the plane did not have to return."
A passenger on the TUI flight shared their experience with HLN, vividly describing the moment of the strike. "We suddenly heard a loud bang, with a flash of light. Afterwards, we also smelled a slight burning smell. It was quite a shock, with that loud bang," they stated.
This incident brings to light the dangers that severe weather can pose to aviation, despite the advanced technology and safety measures in place today.
Airline safety procedures are designed to handle such rare and unforeseen events. The pilot’s decision to return to Brussels underscores the effectiveness of these emergency protocols, ensuring that passenger safety remains the top priority.
Following the incidents, there was a significant response from the community and aviation experts. Many praised the swift actions of the flight crew of the TUI flight, highlighting the importance of rigorous safety standards in aviation.
Aviation safety experts reiterated that while lightning strikes to aircraft are rare, modern planes are equipped to handle such situations without compromising the structural integrity of the aircraft.
The discussion also opened up a broader conversation on the impacts of increasingly volatile weather patterns on aviation safety, prompting a call for continuous improvement in aircraft design and weather prediction technologies.
Both incidents on December 22 have shed light on the resilience of modern aircraft and the rigorous training of those who operate them. It serves as a reminder of the unpredictable challenges that come with air travel and the ongoing need to adapt safety measures in response to changing weather patterns.
As investigations continue, the insights gained from these incidents will likely contribute to further enhancements in aviation safety protocols, ensuring that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation.
The resilience of passengers and crew during unpredictable situations, such as lightning strikes, reflects the robust training and preparedness that define the aviation industry today.
