Apparently, there is no way of NOT knowing when you've been hit by lightning, at least so I'm told. I don't know if it's clear WHERE the strike happened, but it certainly does a lot of damage to the electrics. Just read the AAIB reports on A/C that suffered lightning strikes.
I'm convinced that the affected blades had been sent back for a check and came back servicable for further ops. Why reuse the blade? Because parts are expensive, blades in short supply, and if the company who checked them says they're ok, they won't be scrapped on a hunch. That will have changed by now, I hope.
It will be interesting to see where the blame will be found and who will pay for the damages. 11 men paid the price..
