Strikes between wildlife and aircraft pose an ever-present safety concern for aviation worldwide. These unpredictable collisions embroil birds, bats, terrestrial mammals, and even reptiles. Both commercial and private aircraft face risks from such encounters. Strikes may occur during takeoff, landing, and in-flight phases across civilian, commercial, or military contexts. The resulting damage has triggered deadly crashes along with extensive repairs, delays, and other impacts. As aviation activity continues rising steadily, the sheer volume of wildlife strike events also climbs. Understanding the factors behind animal-aircraft impacts can strengthen prevention and mitigation strategies.
What is a Bird or Wildlife Aircraft Strike?
A bird or wildlife strike refers to a collision between an animal and an aircraft while in flight or while moving on the ground. The animal is typically a bird, but strikes may also involve bats, terrestrial mammals like deer, or reptiles.
Over 90% of reported animal strikes in the US involve birds. Geese, gulls, raptors, blackbirds, and European starlings account for around 75% of total bird collisions. Areas around airports often provide ideal nesting and feeding grounds for these species.
Costs and Damages from Bird Strikes
Beyond safety risks, bird and wildlife strikes also carry significant financial costs. One study estimated the total cost of such incidents for US civil aviation at $1.2 billion annually. Costs include:
- Aircraft repairs: Strikes can dent and damage components like engines or break cockpit glass. Severe strikes require extensive work to fix.
- Flight delays and aircraft changes: Crews must inspect aircraft after a collision. This may delay or cancel flights. Damaged planes may need to be swapped out.
- Fuel dumping: Flights may dump excess fuel if an immediate landing becomes necessary after a strike.
- Passenger claims: Passengers can pursue injury claims or compensation for delays following a severe strike.
Factors Contributing to Bird Strike Risks
Many complex factors influence when, where, and why bird strikes occur. Key influences include:
- Location – Areas near wetlands, shorelines, or migration pathways often have heightened activity. Airports built in these locations face heightened risks.
- Seasons – Migration patterns and nesting seasons impact bird populations and flight patterns throughout the year. Spring and fall migrations create peak seasons.
- Times of Day – Birds tend to fly during dawn and dusk hours which pose more risks for aircraft operating during these times.
- Weather – Low visibility and high winds can lead birds astray into airport paths. Stormy weather may blow birds off usual migratory routes.
- Aircraft and Airfield Features – Slower aircraft and brighter runway lighting can influence the likelihood of colliding with birds. Design choices impact risks.
Notable Bird Strike Crashes and Incidents
Most bird strikes cause little or no damage. Yet several severe or catastrophic aviation accidents related to bird and wildlife strikes have occurred over the decades:
- In 1960, an Eastern Air Lines plane crashed while taking off from Boston Logan Airport after striking a flock of European starlings. All 62 passengers perished. This crash spurred efforts to study bird strike risks.
- In 1995, an AWACS jet crashed following takeoff from Alaska’s Elmendorf Air Force Base after striking a flock of Canada geese. The crash killed all 24 crew members.
- In 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 made an emergency landing on New York’s Hudson River after losing both engines to a bird strike shortly after takeoff. Thanks to the skilled pilot, all 155 people aboard survived.
- In 2021 in Indonesia, a Sriwijaya Air Boeing 737-500 crashed shortly after takeoff due to suspected bird strikes, killing all 62 people aboard. Investigations cited poor pilot training and aircraft maintenance as contributing factors.
Reducing Aviation Wildlife Hazards
A variety of wildlife management strategies aim to enhance aviation safety when it comes to bird and animal strikes risks:
Habitat Modification
Short-term solutions like removing food waste or altering vegetation can discourage birds from congregating. Changes may not permanently resolve issues, though. Additionally, habitat changes should avoid unintended consequences like increasing other unwanted species.
Repellants and Deterrents
Methods like propane cannons, flashing lights, or distress call audio can deter some birds. However, this may lose effectiveness over time as species acclimate. Combining multiple deterrent strategies may extend efficacy periods.
Radar Tracking
Specialized radar offers real-time tracking of flocks approaching airports. However, reliability issues exist in some environments. Advancements in radar and predictive analytics technologies may eventually mitigate these challenges.
Coordinated Harassment
Teams may actively chase or herd birds away from airports through methods like drones, pyrotechnics, or dogs. This requires regular staffing, which carries ongoing budget and resource allocation burdens over long terms.
Capture and Relocation
Repeated problematic wildlife may get captured and released far from airport zones. Survival rates vary greatly, however, limiting effectiveness. Marking and tracking relocated animals can shed light on optimal release sites and methodologies.
The Problem with Geese
Canada geese represent one of the most problematic bird hazards for US airports today. Goose numbers have exploded in recent decades, and unlike migratory species, resident geese loiter on and near airport property year-round or seasonally. Since geese travel in large flocks, collisions with even one poses dangers for aircraft engines and stability. A goose strike on takeoff or landing can force emergency landings. Their large bodies also represent hazards.
Few deterrent options work reliably against stubborn goose flocks. Relocation has questionable results as geese often return or migrate incorrectly. No easy solutions exist given the difficulties in reducing geese populations humanely long-term.
Seek Legal Help if You Are Injured
If you or a loved one suffers injury from an accident caused directly by a bird or wildlife strike, contact an experienced aviation accident attorney. They can advise you regarding the investigation process, preserving evidence, and pursuing fair claims or litigation against responsible parties like aircraft owners, operators, airports, or regulators. An attorney can help determine factors that may have increased strike risks, like improper warding practices or outdated engine designs unable to withstand common strike impacts. By holding negligent parties legally accountable, future bird strike risks may potentially fall, improving public safety.
If you’ve been injured in an aviation accident involving birds, wildlife, or otherwise, contact us today.
You can visit our office at 536 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94133.
or call now for a free consultation on (415) 352-6264.