No fatalities

Lightning Strike Damages Boeing 737-800 During Approach at Katowice

Katowice Pyrzowice (EPKT), PL

On June 27, 2015, a Boeing 737-800 was involved in an aviation accident near Katowice Pyrzowice (EPKT), PL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Lightning strike on the fuselage during the approach phase of landing. This summary draws on records from the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL); 6 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL)Primary reportUpdated 2026-10-18Data APIEditorial standards
Boeing 737-800
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A Boeing 737-800 sustained fuselage and stabilizer damage from a lightning strike during approach to Katowice Airport on 27 June 2015. No injuries occurred among 184 occupants.

Incident Details

On 27 June 2015, a Boeing 737-800 experienced a lightning strike during approach to Katowice Airport (EPKT). The crew reported suspected lightning impact on the fuselage after landing. Throughout the event, all aircraft systems operated normally. The aircraft carried 184 occupants, none of whom sustained injuries.

Damage and Repair

A post-flight technical inspection, conducted in accordance with Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM) 05-51-19 for lightning strike occurrences, revealed damage to the fuselage, including burnt rivets. The horizontal stabilizer was also damaged, along with five window frames in the passenger cabin. Following consultation with the aircraft manufacturer, repairs were carried out as per the provided documentation. After completion, the aircraft was returned to service without any operational restrictions.

Investigation

The investigation was supervised by Edward Łojek and conducted by the aircraft operator. No safety recommendations were issued.

Probable cause

Lightning strike on the fuselage during the approach phase of landing.

All Boeing 737-800 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jun 2015 Boeing 737-800 accident near Katowice Pyrzowice (EPKT), PL?

A Boeing 737-800 sustained fuselage and stabilizer damage from a lightning strike during approach to Katowice Airport on 27 June 2015. No injuries occurred among 184 occupants.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Jun 2015 Boeing 737-800 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jun 2015 involved a Boeing 737-800, at Katowice Pyrzowice (EPKT), PL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Lightning strike on the fuselage during the approach phase of landing.

Investigation report by the Polish State Commission on Aircraft Accidents Investigation (PKBWL). Original record: https://pkbwl.gov.pl/raporty/2015-1170/. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Panstwowa Komisja Badania Wypadkow Lotniczych (PKBWL), Poland.