A bird strike might sound like a small issue, but in aviation, it can quickly turn into a serious event. It occurs when a bird collides with an aircraft, most often during takeoff, climb, or landing—phases of flight where both speed and workload are high.
While aircraft are built to withstand many environmental hazards, birds present a unique challenge: they’re unpredictable, often appear in groups, and can cause significant damage when impact happens at high speeds.
When and Where Do Bird Strikes Happen?
Most bird strikes occur at low altitudes, typically below 3,000 feet. That’s why airports are high-risk areas, especially those located near coastlines, lakes, landfills, or nature reserves.
These incidents are most likely to happen during:
- Takeoff and initial climb
- Approach and landing
- Taxiing near grass fields or open areas
Potential Consequences
Birds might be small, but the damage they cause can be anything but.
A bird strike can lead to:
- Engine ingestion, which can result in partial or complete engine failure
- Cracked windshields, posing danger to the crew and limiting visibility
- Dented control surfaces, especially on the nose, wings, or stabilizers
- Aborted takeoffs or diversions, requiring immediate action by the crew
A Real-World Problem
The most famous bird strike in recent history happened in 2009, when US Airways Flight 1549 struck a flock of geese shortly after takeoff from LaGuardia. With both engines lost, the crew successfully ditched the aircraft in the Hudson River. It was a textbook example of exceptional airmanship and crisis management—reminding the world how serious a bird strike can be.
Prevention and Awareness
To reduce the risk, airports apply several bird control strategies, such as:
- Habitat modification to make areas less attractive to birds (remove food, water and shelter)
- Use of pyrotechnics, sound cannons, or lasers to scare them away
- Wildlife control teams, sometimes using trained falcons or dogs
Pilots, too, play a key role by:
- Staying alert for bird activity reports (via ATIS or ATC)
- Reporting sightings or strikes promptly
- Being prepared to reject takeoff or execute a go-around if needed
Birds are part of the natural environment, but in aviation, they represent a risk that cannot be ignored. A moment of impact can lead to a chain of decisions and challenges that test a pilot’s training and awareness.