Aircraft hit by lightning strike

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/8177166.stm

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A passenger flight turned around after being struck by lightning shortly after take-off from Manchester Airport.

The BMI flight to Edinburgh was hit during a thunderstorm and the captain made the decision to return to the airport as a precaution.

No-one was injured in the incident at about 0730 BST and 17 passengers on board the aircraft took the next available flight.

Engineers later assessed the aircraft for any damage.

A BMI spokesman said: "Flight BD381 from Manchester to Edinburgh suffered a lightning strike shortly after take-off.

"As a precaution the captain decided to return to Manchester for aircraft checks.

"All passengers disembarked safely and were accommodated on the next flight to Edinburgh."