Airliner hit by lightning, returns to Utah airport

American Airlines jet struck shortly after takeoff, no damage found

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updated 3:50 p.m. ET Sept. 16, 2009

SALT LAKE CITY - An airliner returned to Salt Lake City International Airport when it was struck by lightning shortly after takeoff.

The American Airlines MD-80 was bound for Chicago when it took off during storms that swept over the Salt Lake Valley on Monday.

American Airlines spokesman Tim Wagner says the flight crew returned to the airport as a precaution. Mechanics inspected the plane and found no damage, so it was able to take off again later that afternoon.

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A passenger tells KTVX-TV in Salt Lake City there was a bump as the flight climbed, then the pilot said over the intercom that he believed the jet was hit by lightning.

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