Mayday after plane is struck by lightning

A passenger flight was struck by lightning as it approached Sumburgh Airport last night.

The incoming flight was forced to return to Aberdeen with 29 passengers on board.

A mayday was issued by the crew and emergency vehicles were summoned to greet the plane on its arrival back at Aberdeen Airport.

Passengers were given hotel accommodation overnight and continued their journey this morning.

Loganair said: “Flight BE6780 from Aberdeen to Sumburgh was struck by lightning on approach to the airport.

“The captain took the decision to return to Aberdeen Airport and a mayday call was made as a precaution.

“As is standard procedure when any mayday call is initiated, the aircraft was met by the airport’s emergency crews as it landed safely.

“The aircraft was carrying three crew and 29 passengers, who were accommodated overnight and continued their journey this morning.”

• For full story, see this week’s Shetland Times.