Helicopter lands safely at Sumburgh after being struck by lightning

THE EMERGENCY services were alerted on Friday morning when a helicopter diverted to Sumburgh Airport after it was struck by lightning.

The CHC S92, which was heading eastwards to an offshore platform, landed safely after raising the alarm shortly before midday.

Emergency services were sent to Sumburgh Airport, with the Lerwick Lifeboat also dispatched before turning back.

A Police Scotland spokesperson confirmed that all 17 people on board are safe and well.

“Police Scotland can confirm that emergency services were called to Sumburgh Airport in Shetland around 11.45am on Friday 13 December after a helicopter was struck by lightning,” they said.

“The helicopter returned to the airport and landed safely. All 17 passengers are safe and well. No one has been injured.”

A spokesperson for CHC said: “An aircraft landed safely at Sumburgh Airport this afternoon [12:10 approximately] after requesting a precautionary priority (PAN) landing,” they said.

“The aircraft was flying to an offshore platform from Aberdeen when the captain suspected a lightning strike. Our crew followed standard procedure and diverted to Sumburgh Airport. The aircraft is now being inspected by engineers. Passengers have been fully briefed.”