Southwest B737 Struck by Lightning, Loses Radio Communication in Denver

Lightning Strike and Radio Failure

• ⚡ A Southwest Boeing B737 en route to Denver experienced a lightning strike during its descent.
• 📻 The strike caused a complete failure of the aircraft's radios, rendering the pilots unable to communicate with air traffic control.
• ⚠️ Pilots reported the incident, and while initially declining assistance, the situation led to a declared emergency on their behalf.

Air Traffic Control Response

• 💬 Air traffic control attempted to re-establish communication with Southwest 168 on various frequencies, noting that the aircraft was not responding.
• 🚨 The situation was serious enough for ATC to declare an emergency for Southwest 168, requesting fuel and passenger counts.
• ✈️ Other aircraft in the vicinity were alerted to the radio problems and advised to maintain specific altitudes and headings to ensure separation.

Resolution and Landing

• 📍 Despite the communication challenges, Southwest 168 was eventually cleared to land on runway 17 left at Denver.
• 🤝 Air traffic control managed the situation by providing landing clearance and advising other aircraft about the emergency aircraft.
• 📡 The transcript indicates that the pilots were eventually able to switch to a different frequency (Denver tower on 124.3) to continue their approach and landing.