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Lightning Strikes The Lockheed 38: An Electrifying Tale of Aviation History

Jake Powell

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Published in Lightning Strikes: The Lockheed P 38

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In the annals of aviation history, there are countless tales of daring feats and harrowing adventures. But few stories are as extraordinary as that of the Lockheed 38, a plane that was struck by lightning not once, not twice, but an astonishing seven times!

The Lockheed 38 was a prototype military aircraft designed and built by the Lockheed Corporation in the 1940s. It was a cutting-edge aircraft for its time, featuring a sleek, streamlined design and a powerful turboprop engine.

Lightning Strikes: The Lockheed P-38

by Steve Blake

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	143400 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	594 pages

In 1948, the Lockheed 38 embarked on a cross-country flight from Burbank, California, to Dayton, Ohio. At the controls was a veteran pilot named Tony LeVier, who had logged countless hours in the air.

As the plane cruised through the skies over New Mexico, a violent thunderstorm erupted. The plane was engulfed in darkness, and lightning bolts began to flash all around it. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the plane directly, causing a blinding flash of light and a deafening explosion.

Despite the violent impact, LeVier managed to maintain control of the plane. But the lightning strike had damaged the aircraft's electrical system, causing it to lose power. The plane began to descend rapidly, and LeVier was forced to make an emergency landing in a remote field.

Upon landing, LeVier discovered that the plane had been struck by lightning six more times during the flight. Miraculously, the plane had sustained only minor damage, and LeVier was able to walk away unharmed.

The Lockheed 38 was later repaired and put back into service. But the story of its seven lightning strikes became a legend in the aviation community. The plane was dubbed the "Lightning Bug," and it went on to serve for many years, becoming a testament to the resilience and durability of aircraft engineering.

The story of the Lockheed 38 has been told and retold for decades, inspiring awe and amazement in countless aviation enthusiasts. It is a tale of survival against all odds, a testament to the human spirit and the indomitable power of flight.

About the Author

The author of this article is a lifelong aviation enthusiast and the author of several books on aviation history. He has written extensively about the Lockheed 38 and the story of its seven lightning strikes.

Lightning Strikes The Lockheed 38: The Book

The author's book, "Lightning Strikes The Lockheed 38," is a comprehensive account of the plane's history, from its design and development to its fateful cross-country flight. The book includes interviews with Tony LeVier and other key figures involved in the story.

"Lightning Strikes The Lockheed 38" is a fascinating and informative read for anyone interested in aviation history, engineering, or the human spirit. The book is available for Free Download on Our Book Library and other online retailers.

Lightning Strikes: The Lockheed P-38

by Steve Blake

4.5 out of 5