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March 13, 2003 · Dornier 328-300 · N419FJ

Wellman, OH

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Incident
Date
March 13, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (15 uninjured)
Location
Wellman, OH
Aircraft
Dornier 328-300
Tail Number
N419FJ
Operator
Atlantic Coast Airlines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
NYC03IA066

The flight was on approach to the airport, descending from 16,000 feet to 11,000 feet. The airplane was flying through light rain, which became heavier. The captain then asked ATC for a 20-degree right turn due to weather. ATC approved the request, but soon after turning on to the new heading, the airplane was struck by lightning.

Full Narrative

On March 13, 2003, about 1015 eastern standard time, a Dornier 328-300, N419FJ, sustained minor damage during a lightning strike, while descending near Wellman, Ohio. The airplane was operated by Atlantic Coast Airlines Inc., as Delta Connection flight 6278. There were no injuries to the 3 crewmembers and 12 passengers. Instrument meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that originated from Toledo Express Airport (TOL), Toledo, Ohio; destined for Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), Covington, Kentucky. An instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the scheduled air carrier flight conducted under 14 CFR part 121. The captain stated that the flight was cleared to cross the TIGRR intersection at 11,000 feet msl, on the CINCE FOUR ARRIVAL into CVG. The airplane was flying through light rain, and then heavy rain as it passed over TIGRR. At that time, the captain asked air traffic control (ATC) for a 20-degree right turn due to weather. The deviation was approved, but soon after turning to the new heading, the airplane was struck by lightning. After the lightning strike, all five display units and the flight management system (FMS) failed. The first officer then declared an emergency to ATC. Soon after, display units four and five reactivated, and the flight crew was able to restore display units one, two, and three, but not the FMS. ATC vectored the flight to the ILS Runway 36 approach to CVG. The flight landed uneventfully, and taxied to the gate. Review of weather radar revealed light to medium intensity echoes near CVG about the time of the incident. The reported weather at CVG, at 1018, was: wind from 050 degrees at 6 knots; visibility 3/4 mile in mist and light rain showers; a scattered cloud layer at 600 feet, a broken cloud layer at 1,300 feet, and an overcast cloud layer at 4,300 feet; temperature 46 degrees F; dew point 46 degrees F; altimeter 29.94 inches Hg. Examination of the airplane revealed an approximate 12-foot section of skin had separated from the upper portion of the rudder. However, during the flight, the captain did not experience any control problems with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeIncident
Event Time10:15 EST
Nearest AirportCincinnati/Northern Kentucky (48nm NE)
Runway36
Runway Length11000 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftDornier 328-300
Tail NumberN419FJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
OperatorAtlantic Coast Airlines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsPratt & Whitney · PW 306 B · Turbofan · 6050 | 6050
Seats34

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (15 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured15
Total15
Crew 1Age 43 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 49 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsIMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 6 kt
Visibility0.8 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 46
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time15:18
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data