A Swiss International Air Lines Airbus A330, operating as flight SWR18P from Zurich to Newark, experienced an in-flight incident on Saturday, November 15th, when it was struck by lightning during its descent toward Newark Liberty International Airport. The flight crew promptly declared a “PAN-PAN” emergency, indicating an urgent situation that requires priority handling but does not pose an immediate threat to safety. The aircraft landed safely at 7:19 PM local time on Runway 22L.
The incident occurred when the Airbus A330, registered as HB-JHA and carrying 134 people on board, was descending through approximately 11,000 feet. Following the lightning strike, the crew reported a “light electrical smell in the cockpit and in the cabin” to air traffic control. This declaration prompted air traffic control to immediately acknowledge the situation and clear the aircraft for a direct approach to expedite the landing. Despite the unsettling experience, the aircraft continued its approach without further complications.
Following the safe landing in Newark, the aircraft underwent necessary post-lightning-strike inspections. Tracking data indicates that HB-JHA remained on the ground for nearly 71 hours, a downtime consistent with thorough inspections required after such an event. Maintenance crews discovered traces of the lightning strike during their initial examination. Consequently, the aircraft’s scheduled return flight to Zurich was canceled, and passengers were re-accommodated on alternative flights.
Lightning strikes are a relatively common occurrence for commercial aircraft, with a typical airliner being struck once or twice a year, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. Modern commercial jets are engineered to withstand these events, featuring conductive skin panels, bonding straps, and static discharge wicks that channel electricity safely around the aircraft’s fuselage. This design effectively turns the aircraft into a “Faraday cage,” protecting the interior, passengers, and critical systems from electrical surges.
While these strikes are generally not hazardous, aviation regulations mandate thorough inspections following any suspected strike, even if no system failures are apparent. These inspections ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft and the safety of all on board. In this instance, the precautionary PAN-PAN declaration and subsequent grounding for inspection underscore the airline’s commitment to safety protocols.
