What poses the greatest danger to aircraft due to lightning?

When considering the impact of lightning on aircraft, the temperature range between -5°C and 5°C is particularly critical because this is where the formation of supercooled water droplets occurs. Supercooled droplets are liquid water that remains in a liquid state even at temperatures below freezing, and they can be present in clouds during thunderstorms. When aircraft fly through such conditions, the risk of ice formation increases, which can lead to electrical charge buildup on the aircraft.

During thunderstorms, the potential for lightning strikes becomes elevated, especially when supercooled water droplets are present. If an airplane encounters these conditions, the likelihood of possessing the necessary characteristics for a lightning strike also increases. The unique combination of the aircraft's physical structure and the atmospheric dynamics at these temperatures can culminate in significant danger, as aircraft may be more prone to experiencing lightning strikes under these specific conditions.

Other temperature ranges, either below -5°C or above 5°C, are generally associated with different atmospheric phenomena where the likelihood of lightning strikes is reduced. At temperatures below -5°C, the water droplets tend to freeze and create ice rather than remain as supercooled liquid, which decreases the chances of electrical charge accumulation necessary for lightning. Likewise, when temperatures rise above 5°C, the