Plane Was Unoccupied, On The Ground In Lynchburg, VA

This one has some folks scratching their heads. ANN reader Erik Gundersen sent us a email this week saying that a Cirrus sitting on the ramp empty was affected by lightning at KLYH, Lynchburg Virginia, and the chute deployed.

According to Gundersen, the airplane appears to be a 2016 or newer Cirrus with Electronic Ignition on the Rocket. Cirrus began using a CAPS system with electronic ignition towards the end of 2013, he said. In addition, the electronic ignition was installed in any airplane which had its mandatory 10-year repack done since that time.

Gundersen said there was a fast moving and devolving storm in that area when the incident occurred. There is also speculation that it was for P-Static (Precipitation static) ... a nearby lightning strike ... as a video capturing the incident doesn’t show lightning actually hitting the airplane.
 
The airport and FBO staff wrapped the plane in a tarp to cover the whole created by the rocket and chute deployment as well as contain the chute from catching wind and dragging the airplane saving the airplane an even more costly repair.

(Photo credit Ken Beck)

FMI: www.ntsb.gov