Two 737s out of service after lightning hits

Published 2:18 pm Wednesday, January 20, 2010

BURBANK, Calif. — Two Southwest Airlines airplanes have been struck by lighting while landing at Burbank’s Bob Hope Airport.

Southwest spokeswoman Marilee McInnis said the flights to Burbank from Sacramento and Oakland landed safely this morning after being struck while approaching the airport amid heavy rains.

She said a flight attendant reported a pain in her arm and was hospitalized. No other injuries were reported.

The two Boeing 737s were taken out of service and passengers with continuing flights were put on other planes.

McInnis said all aircraft are built to withstand lightning strikes, which can occur during flights through stormy weather.