What happens if a plane is struck by LIGHTNING, according to a pilot

Up to 6.5% of the British population have a fear of flying, research reveals.

And if aviophobia is something that affects you, youve probably fretted about many different aspects of travel.

One of the most common concerns is that the aircraft will get struck by lightning.

So is this actually anything worth worrying about?

In a recent interview with Wales Online, a pilot revealed what happens if planes get struck by lightning.

Patrick Smith, who works for a US airline, explained that this situation isnt as rare as youd think.

And thankfully, airlines are well equipped to cope if this situation arises.

In the majority of cases, passengers are completely unaffected by it.

A BOLT FROM THE BLUE: Here's what happens if a plane is struck by lightning (Pic: GETTY)

Patrick explained: “Using onboard radar, along with help from air traffic control and other flights aloft, pilots avoid thunderstorms the way ships avoid icebergs.

“Still, lightning strikes happen on occasion, and airplanes are designed accordingly.

“The energy does not travel through the cabin electrocuting the passengers; it is discharged overboard, partly through discharge wicks along the trailing edges of the wings and tail, nine times in ten, leaving little or no evidence of the strike itself.”

The pilot added that the last lightning-related incident he heard about occurred five decades ago.

He said: “Once in a while there's damage, most commonly to the plane's electrical systems.

“In 1963, lightning caused a wing explosion aboard a Pan Am 707.

“Afterwards, the FAA mandated several new protective measures, including fuel tank modifications and the installation of those discharge wicks.

“That was over 50 years ago and I know of no other lightning-related disasters to date.”

If you are still concerned about flying, these facts may reassure you.

Last year was declared one of the safest ever for commercial flights.

You are statically more likely to die from food poisoning (one in three million), falling from a ladder (one in two million) or falling out of bed (one in two million).

If you still suffer from aviophobia, there are many steps you can take to help relieve your worries.

Some swear-by hypnotherapy or flight courses for helping reduce fears.

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