FADEC equipped Lancair IV-P takes a lightning strike.
       NEWS: Real World Lightning Test for FADEC.
http://www.fadec.com/News.html 8/2/02
The Lancair IV-P aircraft in which the Aerosance PowerLink? FADEC system is
being tested received a real world lightning strike, in flight test
approaching Mobile's Brookly Field the Saturday before Oshkosh. The strike
occurred on half mile final at an altitude of approximately 500 feet. TCM
test pilot, Philip Grice, said, " I saw the storm about two miles ahead at
the far end of the runway but I was in the clear on final. I saw a bright
flash and thought to myself that was pretty close but there was no other
indication. The engine ran well throughout. It didn't miss a beat. I didn't
realize we'd been hit until I got out and saw the small hole in the wing
root and the static wick holder separation on the right wing tip. "

After replacing a few "welded screws" and thoroughly inspecting the
airframe Philip brought the airplane to Oshkosh for display.

Aerosance president, Steve Smith remarked: "The PowerLink FADEC has been
tested to lightning levels that far exceed those required even for
composite aircraft so it was no real surprise that it performed flawlessly.
It's just very unusual to get a strike in the flight test program where you
can get data. We're very pleased but have not suggested to Phillip he try
it again! Yet."

The IV-P is on loan from Lancair to evaluate the high altitude performance
of the turbo-charged FADEC controlled engine, a TSIO-550E. Engine testing
has included successful operation to 30,000 feet.