Loganair flight forced into emergency landing after lightning strike ‘cracked windscreen’
A Loganair flight was forced to return to Manchester Airport today after being struck by lightning, which reportedly cracked the aircraft’s windscreen.
Flight LM26, bound for Aberdeen, issued an emergency code 7700 approximately 30 minutes after takeoff earlier this afternoon.
The incident occurred just before 5pm, with the Embraer ERJ 145EU aircraft making an unscheduled return to Manchester.
The emergency landing came amid yellow weather warnings for wind and rain across much of the UK, with forecasts of severe conditions expected to impact travel services.
The aircraft departed Manchester Airport at approximately 4:30pm, climbing to an altitude of 16,000 feet.
Flight tracking data showed the plane initially heading northwards before performing a loop in the skies above Skipton.
The aircraft, registered as G-SAJH, had been airborne for just 29 minutes when pilots made the decision to return to Manchester.
The emergency turnaround occurred after the plane encountered severe weather conditions, with the flight crew activating the emergency squawk code 7700 before commencing their return journey.
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No injuries were reported among the passengers following the incident.
The aircraft was able to complete a normal landing despite the reported damage to its windscreen.
The incident occurred amid widespread weather warnings across the UK, with the Met Office issuing yellow alerts for wind and rain.
Forecasters warned of westerly or northwesterly winds reaching speeds of 60 to 70mph along exposed coasts, particularly through the North Channel and Irish Sea.
A Loganair spokesman said: “Loganair can confirm flight LM26 from Manchester to Aberdeen was diverted back to Manchester following a lightning strike.
“The aircraft landed as normal and our team is currently arranging onward travel for customers to reach their final destination.
“The safety and wellbeing of our customers and crew is of the utmost importance to us at Loganair.
“We thank our customers for their patience and understanding, and our ground crews for their assistance.”