Overview of the Incident
On September 24, 2024, SAS Scandinavian Airlines flight SK997, operated by an Airbus A350-900, encountered a severe weather event leading to a lightning strike shortly after takeoff from Copenhagen Airport. The aircraft, bound for Shanghai, China, was forced to return to Copenhagen for safety checks and precautionary measures.
Details of the Flight and Incident
The flight took off from Copenhagen at 23:48 during a period of intense thunderstorm activity. Approximately seven minutes into the flight, at an altitude of 35,000 feet, the aircraft was struck by lightning. Positioned about 260 miles southeast of Copenhagen and near Poznan, Poland, the crew made the decision to return to Copenhagen, landing safely at 01:14, roughly 90 minutes after departure.
A passenger reported a loud bang and a bright flash visible through the left side windows, which was later confirmed by the captain as a lightning strike. Although initial system checks indicated no abnormalities, the captain opted to return to Copenhagen for a comprehensive inspection of the aircraft.
Technical Aspects and Safety Measures
Upon landing, the aircraft had to perform an overweight landing, a procedure used under circumstances where the aircraft’s weight exceeds typical landing weight due to unreleased fuel load. The procedure was executed successfully although it required multiple stops during taxiing to allow the brakes to cool down, ensuring safe and controlled handling.
The aircraft involved, registered SE-RSD, is a modern Airbus A350-900 delivered to SAS in July 2020. Configured to accommodate up to 300 passengers, this model features a three-class layout with 40 business class seats, 32 premium economy seats, and 228 economy class seats.
Aftermath and Current Status
The flight was rescheduled for the following day to allow time for thorough checks by ground engineers and to ensure the crew were adequately rested, adhering to aviation safety regulations regarding working hours. As of 36 hours post-incident, the aircraft remains on the ground in Copenhagen pending further inspections and certification for return to service.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety protocols and the effectiveness of crew training in managing unexpected events. SAS’s prompt response and adherence to safety guidelines helped avert a potential crisis, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to passenger safety.