Maybe a microburst (something above a minor static discharge that doesn't get into the antenna (for expample) while the instrument is on.

You can have instruments OFF, the breakers OFF, the POWER OFF, the batteries OFF, and still get electronics fried. Sometimes, things that are off, get fried and stuff that is on survives (don't count on it).

Carbon Fiber masts, for example, may be crystalized (or whatever the term is) and, through apparently okay, really have little structural strength because of the sudden over current and heating. Lightning is an amazing phenomon.

My old friend, JAX (his nom du web) used to make fun of me about the little fuzzy thing on my mast to disapate micro charges before there was a real strike. I have no illusion of it blocking "the big one". I have a hope about the little protection. ;^))) I paid for it already about 15 years ago. Why take it down?