A birdstrike is a collision between an airborne animal, usually a bird, and an aircraft during flight, takeoff, or landing. This is a recognized concern in aviation, affecting both civilian and military operations worldwide. While many incidents cause minor or no damage, the potential for severe consequences requires ongoing attention.
Understanding Birdstrikes
While birds are the most frequent culprits, birdstrikes can also involve other wildlife like bats or ground animals. These incidents can involve all types of aircraft, from small propeller planes to large commercial jets, and occur globally.
Birdstrikes are most probable during takeoff, initial climb, approach, and landing, due to the higher concentration of birds at lower altitudes. Approximately 61% of birdstrikes with fixed-wing civil aircraft happen during landing phases, while 36% occur during takeoff and climb. Over 70% of strikes happen between 0 and 500 feet above ground level. Most birdstrikes also occur during daylight hours, when birds are most active.
Consequences for Aircraft and Safety
Birdstrikes can lead to damage ranging from superficial marks to severe structural failure, directly impacting flight safety. A primary concern for jet-engined aircraft is bird ingestion into engine air intakes. This can significantly damage internal components like fan blades, potentially reducing thrust or causing complete engine failure. This is especially dangerous during takeoff, when full engine power is needed.
Other aircraft components are also susceptible to damage. Windshields can crack or shatter upon impact, impairing pilot visibility and potentially injuring flight crew. Wings, fuselage, and control surfaces like flaps and slats can sustain damage, affecting the aircraft’s aerodynamics and maneuverability. Even minor impacts can necessitate aborted takeoffs, emergency landings, or diversions, leading to operational disruptions and financial costs for airlines.
Strategies for Prevention
Preventing birdstrikes involves a multi-faceted approach, combining airport wildlife management, aircraft design improvements, and pilot training. Airports implement comprehensive wildlife management programs to deter birds from airfield environments. These programs include habitat modification, such as avoiding water features or bird-attracting vegetation, and keeping grass short.
Active deterrents are also used, including pyrotechnics, noise-making devices, and trained falcons. Some airports employ avian radar systems for real-time detection of bird movements, allowing air traffic control to warn pilots and adjust flight paths. From an aircraft design perspective, engines undergo rigorous testing to withstand bird ingestion, and structures like windshields and leading edges are reinforced to improve impact resistance. Pilots receive training to recognize birdstrike risks, including awareness of local bird habitats and migratory patterns, and are advised to fly at safe operating speeds at lower altitudes to reduce impact force.
Post-Incident Procedures
Following a suspected birdstrike, immediate actions are taken by flight crew and ground personnel to ensure safety. Pilots prioritize flying the aircraft, maintaining control, and evaluating aircraft and engine condition. If engine damage is suspected, pilots identify the affected engine and apply non-normal checklist procedures, which may involve an emergency engine restart or managing with reduced power.
Upon landing, air traffic control is informed, and ground crews conduct a thorough inspection of the aircraft. This inspection focuses on areas prone to strikes, such as wing leading edges, the nose, fuselage, engine inlets, and landing gear. Any bird remains found are collected for analysis to identify the species, which aids in understanding bird behavior and refining future prevention strategies. If damage is identified, affected parts are repaired or replaced before the aircraft returns to service.