Delta flight struck by lighting

[scooter]

On the ground at Atlanta

[PR19_Kit]

I wonder why it hit at the base of the fin? I'd have thought the tip would have been a more likely target.

[rickshaw]

More than likely 'cause that was where Thor directed it to hit?   

I suspect it was 'cause the tail fin didn't have enough metal in it compared to the fuselage.  When I first saw it, I thought it was on the port wing...

[TallEng]

I wonder why it hit at the base of the fin? I'd have thought the tip would have been a more likely target.

Because lightnings funny like that, it doesn't do what you'd think.
I've done a few Lightning strike inspections over the years and one thing I've seen is that Lightning doesn't strike on the pointy out bits
often. Last year I had this:



as you can see the First hit is above a Window on the forward part of the Aircraft:



and the exit point was here, right next to a static wick   on the Tailplane, it Melted the rivet that was there



Funny Stuff electrikery. I expect its to do with different potentials or something, although an aircraft is supposed to be 'bonded' so all its parts
should be at the same 'potential' though I suspect not....

Regards
Keith(expecting to be shot down in flames/struck by Lightning and proved completely wrong)

[PR19_Kit]

I'm glad I wasn't sitting by THAT window! 

[Gondor]

Love the calibrated tape. Hope its not easily stretched.

Gondor

[Thorvic]

Anybody thinking of Star Trek Voyager when they read the thread title ?

[zenrat]

Anybody thinking of Star Trek Voyager when they read the thread title ?

I am now. 

[Captain Canada]

Wow is that ever something ! Interesting for sure, but scary and thought provoking as well !