Last Monday, an Iberia aircraft to Paris had to return to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas airport shortly after takeoff due to a related technical incidence, according to the first indications, with the possible collision with birds. Although no injuries or serious damage were reported, the event has revived a question that many passengers are asked: Can a bird brought down a plane in full flight?
From the Tiktok account of the Training School @Oneair.escueladepilotos, A professional pilot has explained clearly and rigorously what exactly a “Bird Strike” ishow it affects an aircraft and to what extent it is a real danger.
What is a Bird Strike and what consequences can it have?
In aviation, it is called “Bird Strike” To the impact of a bird against an aircraft during any flight phase, although they usually occur especially in take -offs and landings, when the planes are closer to the ground.
These clashes can occur in different parts of the device: The fuselage, the landing train, the windshield or the engines. Although the noise of the coup can be shocking from inside the cabin, and sometimes the smell that reaches passengers remembers that of “roasted chicken” as the pilot jokes in his explanation, the planes are prepared to resist this type of incidents without compromising flight safety.
What happens if a bird enters an engine?
One of the most common fears is that a bird can enter an engine and cause its explosion. However, as the one air pilot clarifies, The engines do not explode as in the movies. While an impact can damage them, make them lose power or even turn them off, commercial airplanes are certified to fly with a single engine. In fact, in case of total failure, aircraft can plan for propulsion kilometersallowing pilots to maneuver safely.
What if the impact damages other parts of the plane?
Other areas such as the Radomo (the “Morro” of the plane that protects the radar) or the windshield can also suffer impacts. Although the radome is a relatively fragile part, it does not compromise general aerodynamics. On the other hand, the windshields of the aircraft are designed to withstand high speed impacts and will not break as a conventional crystal.
Why do these incidents occur and how do they prevent?
Airports apply multiple measures to avoid the presence of birds near the slopes. Deterre systems such as Waterned hawks, lasers, firecrackers or artificial sounds, in an authentic “war” between humans and birds to guarantee air safety.
However, Bird Strikes are inevitable on some occasions. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), thousands of incidents are reported a year globally, although only a minority causes relevant damage.
Can a flock of birds cause a serious accident?
Yes, but they are exceptional cases. The best known example is that of US Airways Flight 1549in 2009, what lost both engines after impacting with a flock of geese Shortly after taking off from New York. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger then achieved an emergency landing on the Hudson River, saving the lives of the 155 occupants on board. That event, although extraordinary, demonstrated the importance of the training of the pilots and the resistance of modern aircraft.
Tranquility, it is not an action scene
Bird Strikes can be spectacular and even scare passengers, but they are not synonymous with catastrophe. Modern aviation is designed with multiple security systems and pilots receive exhaustive training to face these situations.
As the One Air pilot summarizes: “A bird is not going to make my plane crash or that the engine explodes. Hollywood has done a lot of damage.”. A good dose of reality to clear unfounded fears and fly with the confidence that gives knowledge.