C-5 returns to flying status after lightning strike

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio - A 445th Airlift Wing C-5 Galaxy aircraft is being inspected in repaired after a lightning strike on March 28, 2008. Lightning damaged the horizontal stabilizer endcap and it had to be replaced. The lightning traversed through the tail to the aft ramp area and through the grounding cables causing damage to eight wheels and tires and to the concrete below. The C-5 has been repaired and returned to flying status April 15, 2008. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

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C-5 returns to flying status after lightning strike

Published April 17, 2008
By Mary Allen
445th Airlift Wing

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio -- A parked and unoccupied 445th C-5 Galaxy was struck by lightning about 2 a.m. March 28, 2008.

The C-5 was struck in the tail section. There was visible damage to the aircraft which 445th maintainers assessed. There was also damage to the concrete ramp.
The lightning hit the tail section causing a hole in a panel then traveled through the aft ramp area of the plane and through the grounding wires causing damage to the horizontal stabilizer endcap and eight wheels and tires. The lightning then hit the concrete causing a three foot hole and concrete to splatter onto the aircraft causing dents and breaking a light. The estimated cost of damage was under $25,000 according to officials.

"Senior Master Sgt. John Dornon, 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, the impoundment official, did an outstanding job, carrying out his duties by ensuring all possible areas affected by the lightning strike were inspected and carefully coordinated with all the agencies bringing this action to an expedient and successful conclusion." Col. Anna Schulte, 445th Maintenance Group commander said.
The plane returned to flying status after completing its operational check flight April 15, 2008.

"It was due to great teamwork from the 445th Maintenance Group and Operations Group, 88th Air Base Wing Safety and Security Forces, and the C-5 Engineers that brought us to this successful completion and returning the aircraft to flight" Colonel Schulte said.