DaytonDailyNews.com

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE — A lightning strike late last month struck one of the Air Force's Lockheed C-5 Galaxy cargo transport planes and punched a 3-foot hole in the concrete ramp on which the plane stood.

The damaged plane has been repaired and was returned to flying status on Tuesday, April 15, the 445th Airlift Wing said Wednesday. The damage was less than $25,000, according to the wing.

The wing, an Air Force Reserve unit, operates the 10 C-5 planes which are kept at the base. They are flown frequently to Europe to carry cargo in support of the U.S. war on global terror.

The lightning struck at about 2 a.m. on March 28 when the aircraft was parked and unoccupied, maintenance officials from the 445th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron said. It hit the plane's tail, knocked a hole in a panel, traveled through the aft ramp area and damaged eight wheels and tires, maintenance personnel said.

When the lightning hit the concrete, it caused concrete chunks to hit the plane, causing dents and breaking a light, the officials said.

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