Probable cause
The lightning strike during an en route descent.
NTSB analysis
The pilot began a descent from 16,000 feet and was being vectored for an approach when the airplane was struck by lightning. The airplane continued to perform normally and an uneventful landing was made at the planned destination airport. The pilot noticed the airplane was damaged during a post-flight walk-around. The lightning strike caused minor damage to a propeller blade on the left engine and to the left wing flap. The right elevator was substantially damaged by the lightning strike. The pilot stated they had passed an area of convective activity and were in instrument meteorological conditions with smooth air at the time of the lightning strike.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11CA387 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 10, 2011
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Waukegan, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Waukegan Regional Airport (UGN)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Instrument (IMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech B200
- N-number
- N23WS
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 135 (charter and commuter)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.