What happened
On May 11, 2004, at 12:55 UTC, a Cessna C-340, registration OK-FBI, was performing a repositioning flight from Warsaw-Okecie (EPWA) to Prague-Kbely (LKKB). The aircraft was being flown without passengers. While descending from FL 180 to FL 100 between navigation points OKX and ETATU, the aircraft was struck by lightning while operating within cloud cover.
Immediately following the strike, the crew identified that the onboard meteorological radar was no longer operational. Despite the equipment failure, the crew managed the situation effectively and completed the flight without further incident, landing safely at LKKB at 13:15 UTC. There were no injuries to the crew.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation focused on the circumstances surrounding the strike and the subsequent equipment failure. The investigation confirmed that the pilots held valid qualifications and that the aircraft had a valid certificate of airworthiness. The investigation also verified that the weather conditions at the departure airport were suitable for the planned flight and that the maintenance of the aircraft was up to date.
Findings
- The lightning strike caused damage to the aircraft, specifically disabling the onboard weather radar.
- The preliminary cost of repairs was estimated at approximately 1,300,000 CZK.
- At the time of the incident, a cold front was moving through the area, bringing rain showers and the potential for cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms.
- Under the meteorological conditions available to the crew, there was no reason to anticipate an increased risk of electrostatic phenomena.