Multiple Lightning Strikes, Southwest Airline's LOSS Communication at Denver

Lightning Strike Silences Southwest 168 on Denver Approach

Southwest Airlines Flight WN168 was approaching Denver International Airport on May 25, 2025, when the Boeing 737-8 MAX, registered N8887Q, was reportedly struck by lightning. Shortly afterward, Denver controllers could no longer hear the aircraft's transmissions.

The aircraft was descending through approximately 11,000 feet on its approach from Tampa. Although the two-way radio link was lost, the crew continued to receive controller instructions and followed them. Controllers therefore used blind transmissions while maintaining the aircraft's expected sequence.

About twelve minutes after the loss of two-way communication, the aircraft landed safely on runway 17L. No injuries were reported. Southwest removed the aircraft from service for inspection and said it may have been struck by lightning during approach.

The incident illustrates a useful distinction between losing the ability to transmit and losing the ability to receive. Controllers could not hear the crew, but the crew remained able to hear instructions and respond through the aircraft's flight path. That allowed ATC to continue managing the arrival despite the communications failure.

Lightning strikes are a known hazard for transport aircraft, and the 737 MAX is designed to withstand them. The operational concern in this case was the resulting loss of normal communication during a busy arrival. The crew and controllers maintained enough situational awareness to complete the approach safely.

“SWA B38M at Denver on May 25th lightning strike loss of communication (and he wasn't the only one to get hit.”

Accident Facts

Sources

• Video source (ATC/audio reconstruction)
• AeroInside, 26 May 2025.
• Aviacionline, 29 May 2025.
• Southwest Airlines statement reported by Aviacionline.
• Video/ATC recording