An airplane bound for Detroit from Atlanta was hit by lightning shortly after takeoff and returned to the airport as storms rumbled through the state. AirTran Airways spoke-sman Christopher White says the plane was hit soon after it took off around 6:30 pm. Saturday. He said there was a brief, minor issue with one of the two engines, and the captain decided to return to the gate as a precaution.
The Boeing 717 landed and taxied to the gate, where the 94 passengers disembarked. White says a new plane was brought in, and the flight continued as planned.
White says it's not unusual for planes to be struck by lightning and that they're built to withstand it.