Between November 2007 and January 2009, U.S. civil aviation experienced four major accidents caused by bird strikes. The accidents demonstrated the range of aircraft categories and types affected by this threat, and served as a reminder that the entire aviation community is challenged. A Piper Seneca, a transport helicopter, a Cessna Citation business jet and an Airbus A320 were all destroyed, and 17 people died.1–4
Three months prior to the US Airways A320 bird strike accident, a similar accident occurred at Rome Ciampino Airport. A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 encountered a large flock of starlings during its approach. The flight crew attempted a go-around, but birds were ingested into both engines, and both lost thrust. The crew landed the aircraft on the runway, but the left main landing gear collapsed. Although no one was killed, there were 10 injuries and the airplane was damaged beyond repair.
Before the Ryanair accident, an A320 ope…
