What is the recommended action immediately after inadvertent thunderstorm penetration?

After an inadvertent thunderstorm penetration, the recommended action is to reduce to turbulence penetration speed. This speed is specifically designed to minimize structural stress on the aircraft while still allowing controlled flight in turbulent conditions. Thunderstorms are associated with severe turbulence, updrafts, and downdrafts, which can be hazardous to the aircraft. By reducing speed, pilots can better manage the forces acting on the aircraft and maintain control despite the tumultuous environment.

This approach helps in maintaining the safety and integrity of the aircraft during unexpected thunderstorm encounters, which often present challenges such as hail, lightning, and violent wind shifts.

While considering the other potential actions, increasing altitude can sometimes be beneficial; however, the immediate priority is to ensure the aircraft can withstand the turbulence encountered. Maintaining visual reference is not feasible inside a thunderstorm due to limited visibility and extreme conditions. Flying in a straight line may help in some scenarios, but the first priority in such turbulent encounters is to adjust speed appropriately to manage the aircraft's stability and safety effectively.