A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 arriving from Chicago, IL sustained damage from a lightning strike during its descent into Cleveland, OH on 21 November 2024.
United Airlines flight UA2226, operated by a Boeing 737-800, was conducting an arrival from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
United Airlines UA2226 Chicago-Cleveland
The flight was on descent into the destination Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE). During the descent phase the aircraft was struck by lightning, resulting in damage to the windshield. Following the lightning strike, flight crew continued with the approach and were able to land without further incident on runway 24R Cleveland Hopkins.
A subsequent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report revealed the extent of the damage during the incident. “Aircraft was struck by lightning damaging the windshield, frame and left burn marks on the tail. Cleveland, OH.”
It was also reported that one flight crew member received minor injuries as a result of the lightning strike incident.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that flight UA2226 made a departure from Chicago O’Hare International Airport at 1458 local time on 21 November.
Following departure, the flight set course normally, climbing to flight level FL330 for the easterly service to Cleveland.
Top of descent procedure and initial approach were conducted normally, and the aircraft reportedly sustained the lightning strike during the descent phase.
The aircraft conducting the UA2226 service from Chicago was a Boeing 737-800, registered N77530. This is a 13.8 year old narrow body aircraft belonging to the carrier United Airlines. It has been in operational service with the airline since its initial delivery in March 2011.
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