Plane hit by lightning amid bad weather

The RNZAF 757 makes a landing at the Whenuapai Airbase near Auckland after it was hit by lightning five minutes after take-off.

Photographs have captured the dramatic landing of an Air Force plane this morning after lightning struck.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force 757 was hit by lightning prompting an emergency landing at Whenuapai air base around 9.30am.

The plane had just taken off from Auckland and was heading to Wellington on a routine flight with 19 passengers and seven crew on board when it was hit.

Air force spokesman Squadron Leader Kavae Tamariki said there were no injuries and engineers were carrying out an inspection of the aircraft.

Wintry weather has closed roads and a Wellington train line today as severe gales and heavy downpours lash the country.

The Lindis pass in central Otago remained closed this morning due to heavy snow.

About 12 vehicles, including a tourist bus, had to be towed from the highway yesterday after they became trapped.

AIR FORCE PLANE CIRCLES

This was not the first time an Air Force plane had been struck by lightning. Last year an Orion returning from Canada was struck on the nose, with the jolt going right through the plane.

It was described by those on the plane as a “big bang” which caused minor damage and some of the systems to go down, though the planes were built to withstand such things, Tamariki said.

The RNZAF has two ex-commercial Boeing 757s.

Configured for both cargo and passengers, they can carry between 186 and 279 passengers.

MORE BAD WEATHER TO COME

A cold front is expected to move over the North Island today, bringing a burst of heavy rain to western and northern areas of the country, the MetService said.

Only a few more hours of heavy rain were expected in central Westland before it eased, following heavy rain overnight. More significant rain was expected from later today.

A severe gale warning was also in place for Wellington, Wairarapa and central Hawke’s Bay, the MetService said.

The winds had the potential to lift roofs, cause damage to trees and power-lines, and make driving hazardous.

Thunderstorms were also likely given the unstable nature of the front.

Earlier today a slip on the Johnsonville line in Wellington caused delays on the city’s train system this morning, with buses needed after a tree fell on the tracks.

Tranz Metro spokeswoman Cathie Bell said the fall happened on the tracks near Ngaio, and buses were needed to replaced the train while the debris was cleared.

Teams were working to clear the Lindis pass and it was hoped it would be reopened this morning, Kurow constable Craig Bennett said.

State Highway 85 from Palmerston to Kyeburn was also closed by snow, with chains essential on Arthur’s pass and State Highway 94 near Te Anau.

The snow was a welcome relief for the ski fields, however, with more snow falling overnight on Mt Ruapehu and the Southern Alps.

At least 30cm fell on the Ohau ski field, with smaller falls on Coronet Peak, the Remarkables and Cardrona.

source: http://www.stuff.co.nz