RNZAF plane hit by lightning

Photo / Supplied

A New Zealand Air Force Orion has been hit by lightning off the coast of Canada.

Wing Commander Nick Olney said the plane was taking part in a joint "exercise" and was carrying 16 people when lightening struck on Tuesday morning (NZT).

He said no one was injured.

"Immediately following the lightning strike the crew followed aircraft checklists to ensure all primary and flight critical systems were functional," Mr Olney said.

He said the lightning struck the radome, where weather antenna is stored, and has caused damage that "looks quite dramatic".

"The aircraft performed as designed and the aircraft radome really took one for the team in this case," Mr Olney said.

- NZHERALD STAFF