A bird strike is a collision between an airborne animal, most often a bird, and an aircraft in flight or moving on the ground. When an engine is involved, it’s also called bird ingestion. While bird strikes are a recognized aviation hazard, modern aircraft are designed with safety measures to minimize their impact. This article explores potential damage, pilot and air traffic control responses, and efforts to reduce bird strike risks.
Aircraft Damage from Bird Strikes
Modern jet engines undergo rigorous “bird ingestion” tests, demonstrating they can continue to operate or shut down safely after ingesting birds of specified weights. For instance, an engine might need to function with at least 50% thrust after ingesting a 1.8 kg to 3.65 kg bird. The impact can bend fan blades or, rarely, lead to an engine flameout, though complete engine failure is uncommon due to design and testing standards.
Aircraft windshields are also impacted, designed to withstand significant force. Transport aircraft windshields resist penetration from a 1.8 kg bird at cruise speed. While resilient, severe impacts can cause cracking or shattering, requiring pilot action. Less frequently, birds strike wing leading edges, the fuselage, or landing gear, often causing cosmetic or minor structural damage. External sensors, like pitot tubes, essential for accurate flight data, can also be damaged or clogged.
Flight Operations and Pilot Response
Following a bird strike, pilots assess the situation and respond systematically. Immediate actions involve checking instruments for anomalies, evaluating damage, and communicating with air traffic control (ATC). Pilots determine if the aircraft remains controllable and if continued flight is safe. If damage is significant or engine performance compromised, common scenarios include returning to the departure airport or diverting to a closer airfield.
If damage is minor and the aircraft remains fully operational, the flight may continue to its destination. Once landed, maintenance crews conduct a thorough inspection to assess damage and determine airworthiness before it can fly again. Passengers might experience a loud thud or jolt, but typically, there is no immediate danger inside the cabin.
Minimizing Bird Strike Risks
Aviation authorities and airports implement measures to reduce bird strike likelihood and impact. Airport wildlife management programs make the environment less attractive to birds through habitat modification, such as removing standing water, managing vegetation, and controlling food sources. Active deterrents like pyrotechnics, propane cannons, effigies, and trained falcons or dogs scare birds away from runways. Radar systems detect bird movements, helping predict conflicts and enable timely preventive measures.
Aircraft design incorporates features to enhance resilience against bird impacts, with ongoing research into materials like aluminum alloys, composites, and honeycomb structures that absorb impact energy. Pilot training includes procedures for recognizing and reacting to bird strike situations, emphasizing safe aircraft operation. Bird strike data is systematically collected and analyzed to identify patterns, high-risk areas, and inform improvements in safety protocols and aircraft design.