On December 1, 1992, a Canadair CL-44 (registration N100BB) operated by Tradewinds Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Aguadilla-Rafael Hernández, Puerto Rico during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm approach, leading to a hard landing and subsequent structural damage. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft sustained significant damage after being struck by lightning during its final approach to Aguadilla-Rafael Hernández Airport.
What happened
During the approach phase to Aguadilla-Rafael Hernández Airport, the flight crew encountered severe weather characterized by thunderstorms and intense rainfall. While the aircraft was on its final approach, it was struck by lightning. Following the strike, the crew proceeded with the descent, but the impact resulted in a heavy landing. The aircraft subsequently bounced on the runway before coming to a complete stop on the main strip.
Findings
The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it a total loss.
There were zero fatalities and zero injuries among the four occupants on board.
The primary contributing factor was the lightning strike encountered during heavy thunderstorm activity.
Probable cause
The aircraft was struck by lightning during a thunderstorm approach, leading to a hard landing and subsequent structural damage.