Lightning strikes parked C-5 Galaxy aircraft

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Charlie Miller
  • 445th Public Affairs office
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  A parked and unoccupied C-5 Galaxy operated by the 445th Airlift Wing, Air Force Reserve Command, was struck by lightning about 2 a.m. March 28, 2008. The C-5 was struck in the tail section. There is visible damage to the aircraft which 445th Airlift Wing maintainers are assessing. There is also damage to the concrete ramp.

The lightning strike traveled from the tail section through the aft ramp area of the plane and to the grounding cords before it hit the concrete.  The concrete splattered onto the aircraft. 

The C-5 is currently classified as "impounded" which means only essential 445th personnel are permitted near the plane. The plane is currently not flyable. It will be returned to flying status as soon as repairs are completed.

No estimates have been made on the extent of the damage or the cost to repair, according to Col. Anna Schulte, 445th Maintenance Group commander.