What would happen if lightning struck an aircraft while in flight?

common occurence actually. aircraft consistently fly @ altitudes lighting exists , through weather becomes issue, yet airliner hasnt been brought down lightning in 40 years. aircraft have, 80 years now, been shielded against outside electrical influences. skin of airplane made of metal. electricity flows through path of least resistance. electrical components of aircraft derive work done them through resistance. so: unless forced circuit, electricity tend avoid work.

lightning bolt flow through skin of aircraft , dissipated little wires sticking off of wings. called static wicks, , there remove latent electrical charge exterior of aircraft in event of static buildup or lightning strike.

not aircraft immune lightning damage though. year ago 1 of our planes struck. no life-threatening damage occured, did burn hole in 1 of gear doors. interesting however, because looking @ airplne, see path bolt took upon striking plane. went gear door, fuselage, out wings, , static wick. while paint , little exterior metal burned, nothing inside took minute amount of damage. electronics functioned throughout event.

would affect electrical components on board?

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