F/A-18 Lightning Strike Video

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Kuwait air force F/A-18 Hornet pilot's glareshield camera recorded a lightning strike hitting his canopy during a training flight, capturing a rare cockpit video of such an event.
  • The pilot was shaken by the noisy encounter but managed to land the aircraft safely.
  • While the pilot was uninjured, the F/A-18 sustained damage from the lightning strike and will require repairs.
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Lightning strikes are relatively common on aircraft but not many show up on cockpit video. A Kuwait air force F/A-18 Hornet pilot was on a training flight when his glareshield cam caught a bolt from the blue hitting the canopy next to his head. He was shaken up by the noisy encounter but landed safely, sporting proof of the jolt on the canopy. He was OK but the aircraft will need some work.

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