Incident Overview
On August 30, 2010, a Shanghai Airlines Boeing 757 encountered a lightning strike shortly after departing from PuDong International Airport in Shanghai, China. The flight crew promptly decided to return to the airport, where the aircraft landed without further incident.
Damage Assessment
Post-flight inspection revealed minor damage to the airframe. Four small holes were discovered in the section 43 crown skin, and a single hole was found in a dorsal radio antenna. Additionally, burn evidence was noted on an air distribution duct and insulation blankets inside the aircraft.
Occupant Safety
No passengers or crew members reported any injuries during the event.
Investigation
The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) is leading the investigation. As the state of manufacture of the aircraft, the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) designated a U.S. Accredited Representative under the provisions of International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Annex 13.