By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Bird strike causes damage to nose cone onboard flight IB579 to Paris
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2024 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Aviation > Airlines > Bird strike causes damage to nose cone onboard flight IB579 to Paris
AirlinesAirportsAviation

Bird strike causes damage to nose cone onboard flight IB579 to Paris

Ruby Waghorn
Last updated: 4 August 2025 08:42
By Ruby Waghorn 3 Min Read
Share
Airbus plane damage after bird strike. bird strike shortly after leaving Madrid Barajas Airport
aviationbrk
SHARE

An aircraft on its flight path to Paris Orly Airport was hit by a bird strike shortly after leaving Madrid Barajas Airport on Sunday, Aug. 3.

Summary
The impact caused by the bird strike during the flightWhy did the plane have to turn back to the departing Airport?Possible damage to critical components of the aircraft

The impact caused by the bird strike during the flight

The nose cone of the Iberia Airbus A321-253NY (XLR) was subsequently damaged in the incident, leaving the pilot and the crew to turn back around to Madrid Airport. The damage is visible in the photo below.

Airbus plane damage after bird strike bird strike shortly after leaving Madrid Barajas Airport
The damage to the Airbus after a bird strike to the aircraft’s nose ©aviationbrk

Why did the plane have to turn back to the departing Airport?

A bird strike often occurs at a lower altitude, when the plane has not long taken off. The pilots and co-pilot onboard are able to see the nose while flying, so any damage or possibility of damage means the plane must safely land as soon as possible. The full extent of the damage would be unknown until landing, when the aircraft can be safely inspected for wreckage. Even if the aircraft appears to be flying normally, there is a possibility of hidden structural damage or damage to the radar system.

Bird strikes
The Federal Aviation Administration reports that there were just shy of 300,000 “wildlife strikes” between 1990 and 2022 ©FAA

Possible damage to critical components of the aircraft

Structural damage can lead to temperature and pressure changes, causing harm to those on board. The nose cone, or radome, holds the radar system of the aircraft, therefore responsible for helping pilots navigate storms and turbulence. If this system is not running well or at full capability, it poses a safety risk.

On X, passengers and witnesses report that, in addition to the damage to the radome, the left engine was lost. The Airbus A321-253NY (XLR) is equipped with a twin-engine design, meaning the plane will fly as usual should an engine be lost, but in this instance, the safest option for the pilot was to turn back to the airport.

Flight IB579 turned back to Madrid Airport 20 minutes after departure.

How often do you think bird strikes affect flights? Let us know in the comments below.

You Might Also Like

Manchester Airports Group provided new government funding for the production of sustainable aviation fuel.

Can the UK aviation industry reduce its environmental impact — and who pays?

Flying into Autumn: JetBlue’s Fresh In-Flight Experience

Etihad Airways took delivery of five aircraft in July

Etihad Airways Announces New Loyalty Partnership with Azul Brazilian Airlines

Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Ruby Waghorn
By Ruby Waghorn
Follow:
Duty Editor and Aviation Reporter - Ruby is currently undertaking her masters degree in Political Communication, with an undergraduate degree in Media, Journalism and Publishing.
Previous Article JetBlue seatback entertainment. Flying into Autumn: JetBlue’s Fresh In-Flight Experience
Next Article British Airways "BA Better World" (climate change action, use of sustainable aviation fuel SAF) special paint scheme Can the UK aviation industry reduce its environmental impact — and who pays?
Leave a comment
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

London Stansted aerial
Manchester Airports Group Served 6.3 Million Passengers in June
Airline Economics Airports Aviation
MAG Thomson aircraft
Manchester Airport Group continues its investment programme after a successful year
Airline Economics Airports Aviation
Embraer's partnership with Lithuania
Embraer to expand across Europe, establishes partnership with Lithuania
Aircraft Airline Economics Manufacturing
August 1 was the busiest day for air travel around the world.
First Day of August turns out to be the busiest day for air travel
Airlines Travel Travel Radar
An Alaska Airlines aircraft is captured in mid-air against a clear blue sky. The aeroplane has its landing gear extended, indicating it is either approaching for landing or has just taken off. The aircraft features the Alaska Airlines logo prominently on its fuselage and a stylised image of a mountain on its tail.
Alaska Airlines launches new routes to connect California and the Pacific Northwest
Airlines Aviation Route Development
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Press & PR
  • Privacy & Legal

Our Content

  • News
  • Data
  • Images
  • Jobs
  • Subscribe

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
AdBlock Detected
Ads help us bring you high-quality, independent journalism for free. Support us by whitelisting us from your ad blocker.
Okay, I'll Whitelist
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Register Lost your password?