Funviralpark Spirit says an Airbus A321 en route to Cancun turned back to Philadelphia International Airport “out of caution after a crew member reported a suspected lightning strike.”
In a statement to CNN, Spirit said, “The aircraft landed safely and is now working to accommodate guests again. The airline has not disclosed passenger numbers.
LiveATC air traffic control recordings capture interactions between flight crews and air traffic controllers in Philadelphia. “We were hit by lightning twice,” said the crew member. “We have to return to the airfield.”
The FAA said the incident occurred at 11 a.m. local time on Friday and that authorities will investigate.
Above: A Spirit Airlines jet approaching Philadelphia International Airport in February 2021 (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, file)
