A transatlantic departure took a dramatic turn shortly after takeoff when a lightning strike and subsequent engine issue forced a widebody jet to divert mid-climb.
On Mar 20th 2026, a Virgin Atlantic Airbus A330-300, registration G-VSXY, operating flight VS-22 from Washington to London, was climbing out of runway 30 when the incident occurred.
During the initial climb, the aircraft was struck by lightning. Shortly afterward, the crew reported a stall in one of the engines, a Rolls-Royce Trent 772. The climb was stopped at approximately 10,000 feet as the crew stabilized the situation and assessed the aircraft’s condition.
Recognizing the seriousness of the event, the crew declared PAN PAN and elected to divert to Baltimore. The aircraft proceeded to Baltimore/Washington International Airport, where it landed safely on runway 33L about 30 minutes after departure.
Passengers onboard described a sudden lightning strike followed by noticeable disturbances in the aircraft’s performance. According to one account, the aircraft appeared to struggle briefly after the strike before the crew announced the diversion.
There were no reports of injuries, and the aircraft was able to land without further complications.
Lightning strikes, while relatively common in aviation, can occasionally lead to secondary system or engine effects. In this case, the combination of a lightning strike and engine stall prompted a precautionary diversion, highlighting the importance of swift decision-making and adherence to safety procedures during unexpected in-flight events.
