Summary
- Bird strikes are a standard aviation hazard, occurring about 50 times day by day globally.
- The American Airlines flight was interrupted by a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Boston.
- Despite the incident, the crew managed the situation well, safely landing the aircraft.
On Wednesday, March twentieth, an American Airlines flight certain for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the US suffered a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Boston, Massachusetts.
Bird strikes, a frequent hazard within the aviation industry with a mean of about 50 occurrences day by day, can pose significant risks to flight safety. While most incidents are managed without major issues, there are occasions when the severity of the strike results in emergencies, as was the case with this flight.
The flight
American Airlines Flight AA-1146, a day by day service between Boston Logan International (BOS) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), was abruptly interrupted by the bird strike. The flight, which usually takes around 1 hour 20 minutes to finish, was only a fraction of its way into the 280-mile (450 km) journey when it needed to turn back.
![Screenshot 2024-03-23 193537](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/screenshot-2024-03-23-193537.png)
Photo: FlightAware
In keeping with Aviation Herald, the crew maintained altitude for an additional six minutes and requested a protracted final to land, during which period they went through their SOPs and checklists. The aircraft began to descend from 6,000 ft nine minutes after the initial takeoff and safely landed 11 minutes in a while Runway 22.
The complete flight lasted a complete of 20 minutes, from takeoff to landing.
![A Thai Airways Boeing 787 flies above a large bird on approach.](https://static1.simpleflyingimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/shutterstock_1481474936.jpg)
How Are Pilots Trained To Handle Bird Strikes?
Coping with unavoidable wildlife encounters.
Aftermath
American Airlines used an Airbus A321neo (-200N), registration N467AL, from Miami International Airport to finish the flight. The flight was delayed for 10 hours, after which the substitute aircraft departed for Boston at 22:33 local time and reached Philadelphia at 23:40.
After the A321neo accomplished the delayed flight, one other A319 was used to service the route previously three days. In keeping with FlightAware, the unique aircraft has not flown because the incident three days ago and is undergoing maintenance.
Bird strikes
As mentioned, bird strikes are part and parcel of flying. Airports do all they’ll to cut back the potential of them, but nature can’t be stopped. The vast majority of bird strikes, about 65%, cause little to no damage to aircraft.
Photo: The Global Guy/Shutterstock
Average Bird Strikes per 10,000 Aircraft Movements | ||
Country | Rate | Period |
Australia | 7.76 | 2008 – 2017 |
Canada | 3.51 | 2008 – 2018 |
France | 3.95 | 2004 – 2013 |
Germany | 4.42 | 2010 – 2018 |
United Kingdom | 4.62 (confirmed) | 2012 – 2016 |
USA | 2.83 | 2009 – 2018 |
Data sourced from Research Gate.