An Air Europa flight from Miami to Madrid was forced to make a U-turn midair because of a cracked windshield in the cockpit (!!!).
Air Europa flight 98 left Miami International Airport just before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday. About one hour into the flight, passengers say there was an announcement that the plane would be turning around.
Miami International Airport spokesman Greg Chin confirmed that a lightning strike caused damage to the plane. The Federal Aviation Administration said flight officials reported damage to the windshield after takeoff.
The FAA said the flight safely returned to the airport at 11:30 p.m.
All passengers were provided transportation to local hotels for the night and are reportedly scheduled to take off for Madrid at 1 p.m. Thursday.
178 people were onboard the plane.