Dash 8-300
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 200; Flight Crew Total 23000; Flight Crew Type 20000
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Weather
Flying approximately 50 miles south of destination in a descent in light rain showers; encountered heavy rain with lightening nearby; aircraft was struck near the right wing area by lightening. Left DC Generator CL illuminated. Ran emergency checklist and cycled DC Generator switch. DC Generator reset and light extinguished. UNS displayed various error messages. No other abnormalities noted. Continued the descent and landed without incident. Encountered a bright flash (fireball) followed by a loud boom and resulting caution light. Occurred due to the proximity of isolated cells in the area; that was not displayed on radar. Stay away from active cells if possible; although there were no indications they were nearby until we were struck.
DHC8-300 Captain reports aircraft was struck by lightening during descent; causing the Left DC Generator to trip off. Flight continues to an uneventful landing at destination airport. Radar did not show any significant weather nearby at the time of the lightening strike.