Scare as lightning hits Sumburgh-bound plane

January 9, 2012 0

A Flybe plane approaching Sumburgh was struck by lightning shortly before 11am this morning but landed safely and no-one was injured.

A spokeswoman for Loganair said: “We can confirm that the aircraft operating in the Inverness to Sumburgh service was hit by lightning during its approach to Sumburgh. The aircraft, which was carrying five passengers, landed safely and normally in Shetland at 10.43am.

“Lightning strikes are rare, but can occur and there is a routine procedure to be followed after such an event, requiring a full engineering inspection of the aircraft and systems. This is presently under way at Sumburgh and alternative aircraft are maintain our flight schedules today to minimise disruption to customers.”