FAA Aviation Mechanic Airframe (AMA)Airframe InspectionMedium
A composite general aviation aircraft was struck by lightning during flight. During the post-strike inspection, what type of damage should the technician expect to find at the strike entry and exit points?
- AIncreased flight control cable tension
- BBurn marks, pinholes, or pitting with possible internal delamination
- CUniform paint fading across the entire fuselage
- DElevated tire pressure readings
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Burn marks, pinholes, or pitting with possible internal delamination
Lightning strikes typically cause localized thermal and electrical damage at attachment and exit points, appearing as burn marks, pinholes, or pitted metal, and on composite structures may cause internal delamination that is not visible from the surface.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Cable tension is unrelated to lightning strike damage.
- C. Uniform fading is a normal weathering effect, not lightning damage.
- D. Tire pressure is unaffected by an in-flight lightning strike.
Lightning Strike Inspection
A special inspection performed after a lightning strike to locate localized burn damage, pitting, or delamination at entry and exit points.
- Damage is often localized at strike attachment/exit points
- May require NDT (e.g., tap test) to find hidden delamination on composites
- Bonding and static wick continuity should also be checked
Memory trick: 'Lightning burns a hole, then hides damage below.'