To: Cmdr Data
A streamer could have caused the exit wound that you described. A streamer is generated when there is a high difference between the potential of the aircraft and the charge built up on the fuselage skin. The potential difference can cause a high amperage bolt that flows from inside the aircraft to the external charge. At times the streamer can generate a lot of explosive energy.
Now, speaking of damage caused by lightning if you fly an A310 or an A300-600 you can be in big trouble. According to Airbus technical Design Directive TDD 20 A 001 the two most frequent lightning attach points on the two aircraft are the nose and on a partially extended slat. If you are hit on the nose there should be no problem as the charge flows through diverter strips on the nose to the fuselage. However if it attaches to the partially extended slat you are in big trouble. The entire slat system (as well as the flap system is not bonded to the airframe. If a lightning bolt attaches to the slat it will try to go to ground (the airframe). In order to do that, the charge will arc to the outboard slat jack and since the slat jack is not bonded to the airframe the charge will arc to the wing structure causing the fuel tank to rupture and catch fire and there goes the outer part of the wing.
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The Cat
[This message has been edited by Lu Zuckerman (edited 09 January 2001).]