Case Study: National Transportation Safety Bureau enhances aviation safety and prevents disruptions with Earth Networks Total Lightning Network

NTSB Recommends Use of Total Lightning Detection to FAA

The National Transportation Safety Bureau faced the challenge of preventing weather‑related injuries, equipment damage and flight disruptions caused by thunderstorms and lightning that often go undetected on traditional radar. In safety reviews of incidents such as American Eagle 3224 and US Airways 1209, the NTSB recommended use of Earth Networks’ Total Lightning Network® (ENTLN) to improve air traffic control and airline weather monitoring.

Earth Networks implemented its ENTLN total lightning detection and associated visualization and monitoring tools, which recorded substantial lightning activity at the American Eagle accident site and detected in‑cloud strikes up to 15 minutes before the US Airways lightning strike. As a result, the NTSB endorsed integrating Earth Networks’ technology into ATC and airline systems to help protect people, aircraft and property, reduce diversions and delays, and make airport operations more efficient.

National Transportation Safety Bureau