Lightning strike - Icelandair - Why didn`t they turn back for checks?

Icelandair Jet Lands Safely At DIA Following Lightning Strike


The hole in the nose of the plane (credit: Nathan Maxwell)

DENVER (AP) - Icelandair says a Boeing 757 continued safely to Denver after it was struck by lightning leaving Iceland.

Airline spokesman Michael Raucheisen said in an email Wednesday that the plane was being evaluated after Tuesday's lightning strike during departure from Keflavík International Airport outside Reykjavík. He says such strikes are common.

The Denver Post quoted a passenger on Icelandair Flight 671, Nathen Maxwell, as saying he heard a bang and saw a bright flash before the pilot announced the plane had been hit by lighting, assured passengers there was no cause for concern, and said they would continue the 3,740-mile trip. The Post also quotes Metropolitan State University of Denver aviation Prof. Jeff Price as saying aircraft are equipped to handle such strikes.