Why is EASA investigating major damage to an Airbus A320 after a bird strike?

The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has opened a formal investigation. The probe concerns a recent Airbus A320 damage incident following a bird strike. The collision resulted in significant aircraft damage to the narrow-body jet, according to the source. This type of event triggers a mandatory EASA bird strike investigation.

Regulatory Background and Reporting

International aviation safety regulations require reporting of such incidents. The commander must submit a report after landing. This is mandatory when a bird strike causes significant damage. It also applies if an essential service is lost or malfunctions. This data is crucial for global safety analysis. It is forwarded to the ICAO Bird Strike Information System (ICAO) database.

Bird strikes are a persistent risk in commercial aviation news. Most strikes cause little damage to the aircraft. However, a small minority of strikes can be very costly. The overall cost to commercial aviation is substantial. Global damage and delays are estimated at US$1.2 billion annually.

Potential Damage and Safety Focus

Investigators will assess the extent of the damage. They will look closely at the aircraft's structural integrity. Bird strikes often impact engines or the nose radome. Engine ingestion is a major factor in determining damage costs. Replacing a damaged jet engine can cost around $1 million. The investigation will also examine the circumstances of the strike. This includes the phase of flight and the airport's procedures. Two-thirds of strikes occur during the arrival phase. The Airbus A320 family is a key subject in bird strike studies.

Industry Impact and Mitigation

The regulatory safety probe highlights the need for effective wildlife hazard management. Airports must implement programs to reduce bird populations. This protects aircraft during takeoff and landing. The incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks. It impacts airline operations through grounding and aircraft maintenance and repair costs. Airlines must ground the aircraft for detailed inspection and fixes. This causes delays and cancellations for passengers.

EASA's findings could lead to new directives. These may focus on airport operations or Airbus (Airbus) maintenance checks. The goal is to continuously improve safety standards. This prevents future occurrences of significant aircraft damage from wildlife collisions.

Get breaking commercial aviation news and expert airline analysis at flying.flights.