Lightning strike leaves large hole in nose of Icelandair plane

Thursday, April 9, 2015, 3:54 PM - Lightning tore a large hole in the nose of a Denver-bound 757 Boeing Tuesday shortly after takeoff, officials have announced.

The Icelandair plane departed from Iceland's Keflavík International Airport -- and officials say it's likely nobody knew about the damage plane had sustained until it landed some 6,000 km later.

One passenger told the Associated Press he heard a loud bang and saw a bright flash, adding the experience was "pretty scary."

The pilot announced the plane had been hit by lightning but there was no cause for concern and the flight would continue as scheduled. Authorities say it's likely the pilots were unaware of the hole.

While airplanes are equipped to handle lightning strikes, aviation expert Greg Feith told 9News the flight should have turned around.

"It's a prudent thing to turn around, because you don't know what the damage is," he added.

Airline spokesperson Michael Raucheisen told the Associated Press the plane is being evaluated by technicians.

Sources: Associated Press | 9News

RELATED VIDEO: WOULD YOU RIDE A WINDOWLESS PLANE?