You might have seen the movie “Sully,” where a brave US Airways pilot managed to land his damaged Airbus A320 in the Hudson River after a bird strike caused both engines to fail. Everyone on board was saved, and the story, based on real events, highlights the serious dangers of bird strikes on planes. This is something that not everyone, including nature enthusiasts and environmentalists, fully grasps.
The need to keep areas near runways free from bird sanctuaries and nests might seem puzzling to some. Even owning pigeons in these areas is restricted, as they can lead to bird strikes on planes that are flying low during landing or taking off. Through this article, I hope to shed light on the real risks associated with bird strikes and why these precautions are not just necessary but vital for safety.
What is a Bird Strike?
A bird strike happens when a bird collides with an aircraft. It can hit any part of the plane, and it’s referred to as a wildlife strike if it involves other animals like bats or deer. Bird strikes account for around 98% of all wildlife strikes. Bird strikes are common, but the danger that they pose to human lives is overlooked.
In the past twenty years, bird strikes have been linked to over 106 civilian deaths globally. The increase in these incidents is attributed to factors such as more flights, changes in bird migration patterns, and the development of quieter planes that give birds less time to avoid collisions. Bird strikes are estimated to cause about $1.2 billion in damage annually.
When and Where Do Bird Strikes Happen?
Most bird strikes occur during takeoff, initial ascent, approach, or landing, as birds usually fly at lower altitudes. Around 90% of bird strike incidents happen near airports, and about 63% occur during daylight hours.
Different bird species contribute to these strikes. Perching birds, sparrows, and starlings cause 22% of strikes, while shorebirds, gulls, and terns cause around 11%. Larger gulls and raptors like hawks and eagles pose a greater threat, although they account for only 9% of incidents.
The Impact of Bird Strikes on Aircraft
The damage from a bird strike varies depending on several factors, including the size of the aircraft and the bird.
Small Aircraft
Smaller planes are more likely to sustain structural damage. A bird strike can penetrate the windscreen, control surfaces, or empennage, potentially injuring pilots or passengers. This can lead to loss of control and have serious consequences.
Large Aircraft
Large aircraft mainly suffer engine malfunctions or complete failure if a bird is sucked into them. More than one-third of bird strikes involve engines, leading to severe damage to fan blades, vibration, loud bangs, and total loss of engine thrust. Damage can also occur to the wings, nose, windshield, and fuselage.
During landing or takeoff, bird strikes can harm extended landing gear, causing malfunction of brakes or nose gear steering systems. In rare cases, collisions at higher altitudes may lead to structural damage and rapid depressurization.
Prevention Measures
Airports take various steps to minimize the risk of bird strikes on planes. These include:
- Habitat Reduction: By cutting down trees with nests, reducing rainwater pooling, and substituting cattle grazing for grain crops, airports reduce bird habitats around runways.
- Distress Signals and Scaring Tactics: Airports broadcast bird distress signals or use pyrotechnic bird-scaring cartridges. Some even employ trained peregrine falcons to keep birds away.
- Specialized Equipment: Ground-based radar equipment can detect large flocking birds, helping to prevent collisions.
Aircraft also undergo rigorous bird strike engine testing before being cleared for use.
Bird strikes are a real and present danger to planes. While they might seem like a minor inconvenience, they can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Aircraft manufacturers, airlines, and airport administrations are working diligently to minimize the risk and ensure the safety of both passengers and crew.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
