Dunedin Airport ground crew inspect an Air New Zealand ATR turboprop which was struck by lightning on approach yesterday afternoon. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON
Air New Zealand spokeswoman Hannah Searle said the ATR turboprop aircraft from Christchurch "encountered a lightning strike'' as it descended towards Dunedin Airport.
The return flight, NZ5750 from Dunedin to Christchurch, was delayed as the plane underwent an engineering inspection, Ms Searle said.
"Lightning strikes are not uncommon and aircraft are designed with this in mind.''
Otago Volts co-captain Jacob Duffy said it was a scary flight.
"She was an interesting flight home. Coming into Dunedin was particularly nasty.''
As for the plane being hit by lightning, Duffy said it was not noticed by passengers.
The Volts defeated Canterbury by four wickets at Hagley Oval on Sunday.
