What happened
On November 12, 2022, at 16:42 UTC, a commercial flight, operating as AEA023, was performing a regular scheduled service from Pettirossi International Airport to Ing. Taravella International Airport in Córdoba, Argentina. While the Boeing 787-9, registration EC-MTI, was in the approach phase of flight at an altitude of 12,000 feet, the aircraft was struck by lightning.
The impact occurred on the fuselage of the aircraft. Despite the strike, there were no injuries reported among the 12 passengers on board, and the crew remained unharmed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the electrical discharge and its impact on the aircraft's systems and structural integrity during the approach to Córdoba. The event took place under specific meteorological conditions at the airport, which was recording a wind from the west-southwest.
Findings
- The primary event was a lightning strike to the fuselage during the approach phase.
- The aircraft was operating in a commercial capacity on a scheduled international route.
- There were no fatalities or injuries to the crew or the 12 passengers.