Passengers on a Viva flight from Puerto Escondido to Mexico City experienced a terrifying moment when lightning struck the aircraft's left wing mid-flight, resulting in a dramatic flash and smoke billowing from the wing. Video footage captured the alarming event, which occurred during the early weeks of the rainy season in Oaxaca state, a region known for its severe thunderstorms. Viva Airlines reassured the public that the aircraft was never in danger and landed safely without any issues. According to the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), commercial planes are struck by lightning approximately once a year, but such incidents rarely cause structural damage or pose risks to passengers. The FAA noted that lightning typically hits the extremities of the aircraft, such as the nose or wing tips, and travels harmlessly through the airframe before exiting at the tail. This year's rainy season is anticipated to be more intense due to warmer-than-average conditions in the Pacific Ocean, increasing the likelihood of thunderstorms in the area.