I really appreciate your input but you just blew the storyline of the book I am writing. There must be some cases where an aircraft is struck by lightning as the possibilities of this occurring are quite high which means that the aircraft has penetrated a storm system. In fact I was in a MD-80 that had a lightning attachment near Syracuse, NY several years ago.
This is the scenario I am looking for. The aircraft is set up for landing or then again it is taking off. In either case the slats are partially extended and there is a lightning attachment on the partially extended slat. The lightning flashes over to the slat jack and then into the fuel tank blowing the outer wing off. On this particular aircraft the slats (and flaps) are not bonded to the airframe. Although the accident is pure fiction the probability of it occurring is very real.
Now, I will rephrase my original question asking for technical input as to when, and under what conditions, the aircraft with partially extended slats can be struck by lightning.
If you want I can give attribution for the technical assistance.
