Date: 12th December 2024
Location: New York City, USA
Aircraft: Airbus A321-200, registration N133AN
Operator: American Airlines
Flight Number: AA-1722
Route: New York La Guardia (LGA) to Charlotte, NC (CLT), USA
Occupants: Undisclosed
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Right-hand engine (V2533) sustained damage
Summary of Events
On 12th December 2024, American Airlines flight AA-1722 departed from La Guardia Airport’s runway 31, bound for Charlotte. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft’s right-hand engine ingested a bird, leading to compressor stalls. The crew promptly stopped the climb at 5000 feet, shut the affected engine down, and diverted to New York’s JFK Airport. The aircraft landed safely on runway 31L approximately 20 minutes after departure.
The flight was subsequently cancelled, and the aircraft remains grounded at JFK Airport as of 17 hours post-landing for further inspection and maintenance.
Initial Findings
1. Bird Ingestion:
• The right-hand engine (V2533) ingested a bird during the initial climb.
• Engine compressor stalls resulted in significant power loss, necessitating the engine shutdown.
2. Crew Response:
• The flight crew followed standard operating procedures, securing the affected engine and coordinating a safe diversion to JFK Airport.
3. Operational Disruption:
• The flight was cancelled, requiring rebooking of passengers onto alternative flights.
Safety Risks
1. Engine Failure Risks:
• Bird strikes can cause severe engine damage, increasing the risk of loss of power or fire.
2. Runway Area Risks:
• High bird activity near airports presents a recurring hazard for departing and arriving aircraft.
3. Passenger Disruption:
• Operational delays and cancellations due to bird strikes highlight the need for robust contingency planning.
Recommendations
1. Airport Wildlife Management:
• Enhance bird control measures in and around airport environments to reduce the risk of bird strikes.
2. Aircraft Inspections:
• Conduct detailed inspections of the engine and surrounding systems to identify and repair any damage caused by the bird strike.
3. Crew Training:
• Continue rigorous crew training on managing bird strike events, including engine shutdown and diversion protocols.
4. Passenger Communication:
• Ensure clear and timely communication with passengers affected by flight disruptions caused by such incidents.
Safety Lessons
This event underscores the ongoing risk of bird strikes during critical phases of flight and highlights the importance of airport wildlife management programs. The crew’s decisive actions ensured the safety of all passengers and crew, demonstrating the effectiveness of standard operating procedures in mitigating bird strike hazards.
Disclaimer
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