A recent incident involving Polish Airlines LOT forced a flight to return to Warsaw shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, which was scheduled for Istanbul, encountered a lightning strike shortly after departing from Chopin Airport.
Incident Overview
The incident occurred on a Tuesday, shortly after 1 PM. Flight LO103 was struck by lightning over Pruszków, causing a swift response from the flight crew.
Immediate Actions Taken
Following the lightning strike, the crew made the decision to release fuel. The aircraft circled Garwolin for approximately 40 minutes to safely jettison fuel before returning to Chopin Airport.
- Time of Takeoff: Around 1 PM
- Initial Destination: Istanbul
- Incident Location: Above Pruszków
- Fuel Release Duration: 40 minutes
Safe Landing in Warsaw
Upon landing back in Warsaw, Krzysztof Moczulski, the spokesperson for LOT, confirmed that the aircraft had not sustained any damage. There was no need for emergency assistance from the firefighting services at Chopin Airport.
Next Steps for Passengers
LOT assured passengers that all necessary procedures would be carried out to ensure the aircraft’s return to service. They are arranged to continue their journey to Istanbul on another LOT flight. The technical review required after such incidents will be conducted in Warsaw, ensuring adherence to strict safety standards.
- Technical Review Location: Warsaw
- Maximum Downtime: One day
LOT remains committed to providing safe travel and ensuring that all aircraft meet the highest operational standards before returning to service.
