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.
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.
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.
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.
