Overview
• Operator: LATAM Airlines Brazil
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A321-200
• Registration: PT-MXO
• Flight Number: LA-3367
• Route: Rio de Janeiro Galeão (GIG) to São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU)
• Date: 20 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Bird strike on nose cone during initial climb
Incident Summary
A LATAM Airbus A321-200, operating as flight LA-3367, departed Galeão International Airport (GIG) runway 10, bound for São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) when it suffered a bird strike on the nose cone during initial climb.
Following the impact, the crew stopped the climb at 6,000 feet and elected to return to Galeão as a precaution. The aircraft performed a safe landing on runway 15 approximately 12 minutes after departure.
The flight was subsequently cancelled, and the aircraft remained out of service for approximately 29 hours before positioning to São Paulo for further inspection or repairs.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• Routine departure from Galeão’s runway 10 with no known technical issues.
• No prior reports of bird activity affecting departures.
In-flight Occurrence:
• Shortly after takeoff, a bird struck the aircraft’s nose cone, causing potential structural or sensor damage.
• The crew assessed the situation and halted their climb at 6,000 feet.
• Decision made to return to Galeão for safety and inspection.
Landing & Emergency Response:
• The aircraft landed safely on Galeão’s runway 15 approximately 12 minutes after departure.
• No reports of injuries or additional damage beyond the nose cone impact.
• The flight was cancelled, and passengers were likely rebooked.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• The nature and extent of damage to the aircraft’s nose cone and potential impact on avionics remain under assessment.
• Bird strikes near runway departure paths are a known hazard at major airports.
• The aircraft was grounded for 29 hours, likely for detailed inspections and minor repairs, before being repositioned to São Paulo.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Regular wildlife hazard assessments at airports remain critical in mitigating bird strike risks.
• Radar or visual monitoring of bird activity during peak flight operations should be enhanced at high-risk airports.
• Pilots should be prepared for uncommanded control or avionics anomalies following bird strikes, particularly near the radome or sensor-equipped areas.
• If damage is confirmed, manufacturer-recommended inspections for structural integrity and avionics functionality should be followed before returning the aircraft to service.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 21 February 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
