American Airlines Boeing 737-800 Suffers Bird Strike on Approach to Chicago O’Hare

Chicago, IL – On July 5th, 2024, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800, registration N918AN, encountered a bird strike while on final approach to Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The aircraft, operating as flight AA-1924 from Las Vegas, Nevada, to Chicago, Illinois, was nearing the end of its journey when the incident occurred.

Incident Overview

The Boeing 737-800 was on approach to runway 28C at Chicago O’Hare when a bird struck the aircraft. The crew reported the bird strike to air traffic control while on short final. Despite the impact, the aircraft continued its approach and landed safely without further incident.

Post-Flight Inspection and Damage Assessment

Following the safe landing, the aircraft was subjected to a thorough post-flight inspection. The inspection revealed that the bird strike had caused damage to the aircraft’s #1 engine. The extent of the damage was initially reported as “unknown” by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), prompting the aircraft to be grounded for further assessment and necessary repairs.

The bird strike did not cause any immediate operational issues during the flight, but the damage to the engine required attention before the aircraft could return to service. After about 19 hours on the ground, during which the necessary inspections and repairs were completed, the aircraft was cleared to return to service.

Safety and Operational Implications

Bird strikes are a known hazard in aviation and can lead to significant damage, particularly when they involve critical components such as engines. The successful handling of this incident by the flight crew ensured the safety of all passengers and crew on board. The prompt post-flight inspection and repairs demonstrate the importance of rigorous safety protocols in the aftermath of such events.

Conclusion

The bird strike incident involving American Airlines flight AA-1924 on July 5th, 2024, highlights the challenges posed by wildlife in aviation. Thanks to the professionalism of the flight crew and the effectiveness of the airline’s safety procedures, the aircraft was able to land safely, and the damage was addressed swiftly. This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts required to manage bird strike risks in aviation, particularly at airports where such encounters are more likely.