i have a bit of confusion!!
some newspapers are claiming that the Air France aircraft fell due to lightining.
But what we have studied is (since i am an electrical engineering student) that as long as a body is not in contact with the ground no amount of electricity can harm the object.
So how can the lightning cause the aircraft to fall??
No news papers/channels have said that AF447 "fell" due to lightning.
All modern jet liners are designed in such a way that lightning strikes can not harm them. (the aircraft body). but that does not mean that lightning can not spoil/damage the aircraft's vital systems.
That plus severe turbulence owing to thunderstorms has also been reported to be likely causes.
Again ..
all are speculations.
And yes, this is not the forum to discuss this topic. Please see the Tech or flight deck forums.