Pegasus Airlines flight PC398, an Airbus A321-271NX, reg TC-RBA, experienced a double lightning strike shortly after departing Istanbul-Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on December 1, 2025.
The aircraft had been en route to Saint Petersburg-Pulkovo Airport (LED) when it was struck twice by lightning soon after climbing out from runway 24R. The crew subsequently entered a holding pattern for approximately two hours to assess the situation before returning safely to Istanbul.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Aircraft damage remains under assessment. The event is believed to have caused no major technical failures. However, Pegasus Airlines has not yet released an official statement regarding the extent of the inspection or any potential delays.
Images: Flightradar24, Jetphotos