US Airways goosed again
Another US Airways Airbus struck a flock of Canada geese yesterday, shortly after takeoff from Greater Rochester, N.Y. for Charlotte, N.C.
This time however the crew of the Airbus A319 lost the use of only one of its two engines and was able to return and land at its departure airfield without further damage to the aircraft and with its 124 passengers unharmed.
Passengers reported hearing a loud noise, and a smell of burning. Canada geese were also responsible for the now-famous ditching of the US Airways Airbus A320 in the Hudson River in January 2009, which all occupants survived.
And on the previous day a Continental Airlines Boeing 777 also hit Canada geese shortly after takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport for Hong Kong. The flight, with 301 people aboard, returned and landed with no apparent damage.
An analysis of US government data by Associated Press reports that reports of aircraft collisions with birds and other wildlife surged last year, with damage to engines, airframes and windscreens.
A pilot always needs to be aware of wildlife in the area. I have been piloting helicopters for years and I can not keep count of how many close calls there have been. If I wasn’t paying complete attention the situation could have been dire.