British Airways 787 Takeoff at LHR with Lightning Strike

[@1066spot]

Impressive, Great video, interesting seeing the strike

[@michaelreed8873]

Just standard static discharge. The tips have special parts that let the static electricity that builds up as the air flows over the wing discharge like this shows, without causing any damage. A lightning strike would be much brighter and intense.

[@Longhornmaniac8]

I can tell you it for sure wasn't a static discharge. It was a bolt of lightning. The camera didn't really capture it; it was much brighter and intense like you say. Also, two other BA flights that departed around the same time also got struck (a 777 to Denver and a 747 to Dulles). Phone cameras aren't the greatest of things!

[@joelt4416]

+Michael Reed it's a strike.

[@reconx86]

@3:39 Did any of you notice that the camera-footage got distorted when the lightning struck? almost as if the lightning somehow interfered with the camera. As if it was poorly grounded or something?

[@pace1786]

have you heard lightning before? usually quite loud. Not to say the other sounds couldn't have drowned it out. Seems like it could have been a static discharge. The 787 is already notorious for lightning strikes though.

[@178brandonh]

It was indeed at lighting strike. We were anticipating a delay on the return flight to London due to the aircraft being inspected by the engineers in Austin. But thankfully we were able to get the flight turned around and sent out with no delay. :)

[@JeffAhSam]

Around 3:37 you'll see static electricity or lightning.. either way, pretty interesting

[@reconx86]

@3:39 to be more exact

[@martinobartino210]

Whats all that banging noise?

[@nataliaegan4266]

How was the flight overall? Was thinking of taking this trip soon.

[@Longhornmaniac8]

Natalia Egan it was fine. Be aware that in the economy section, the seats are really tight, both in width and legroom. The aisles are narrow, and the whole thing just feels cramped. Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus) is much better, and compares to a domestic first class in the US. If you're booked in economy, ask at the airport about upgrades. Last I knew, space-permitting they were offering upgrades for £209. The plane itself is great. The windows are huge so it feels a lot more open.

[@ImmortalSynn]

Well, it's the cursed flight number... so SOMETHING had to go wrong. ;)

[@gamerox2215]

Quiet plane