Overview
On January 6th, 2025, an Air New Zealand Airbus A321-200N (registration ZK-NND) operating flight NZ-207 from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Brisbane, Australia, rejected takeoff at high speed due to a bird strike involving both engines. The crew safely brought the aircraft to a stop on the parallel taxiway. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
Incident Details
Flight Information
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A321-200N
• Registration: ZK-NND
• Operator: Air New Zealand
• Engines: Pratt & Whitney PW1133G
• Flight Number: NZ-207
• Route: Christchurch (NZ) to Brisbane (Australia)
• Occupants: Passengers and crew (exact numbers not disclosed)
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff Roll:
• The aircraft was accelerating on runway 20 at Christchurch International Airport.
2. Bird Strike:
• A flock of birds struck both engines (PW1133G) as the aircraft reached approximately 110 knots groundspeed.
3. Rejected Takeoff:
• The crew performed a high-speed rejected takeoff (RTO) in accordance with standard procedures.
• The aircraft decelerated safely and vacated the runway, stopping on the parallel taxiway.
4. Flight Cancellation:
• The rotation to Brisbane was cancelled following the incident.
Preliminary Findings
Bird Strike Analysis
1. Engine Impact:
• Both engines reportedly ingested multiple birds.
• Initial indications suggest potential damage to fan blades and internal components.
2. Aircraft Damage:
• A thorough post-incident inspection is required to assess engine and airframe damage.
• Specific areas of focus include:
• Engine fan blades.
• Compressor sections.
• Leading edges of the wings and fuselage.
3. Runway Conditions:
• No evidence of bird activity warnings prior to takeoff.
Crew Actions
• Rapid Response:
• The crew promptly identified the situation and executed a safe rejected takeoff.
• Communications with Air Traffic Control (ATC) ensured a smooth taxi to the parallel taxiway.
• Passenger Safety:
• No injuries or evacuation was required.
Recommendations
Immediate Actions
1. Aircraft Inspection:
• Conduct a comprehensive inspection of both Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines to evaluate damage from bird ingestion.
• Examine the airframe for additional impacts or structural damage.
2. Runway Safety Review:
• Review bird activity monitoring and deterrent systems at Christchurch International Airport.
Long-Term Measures
1. Wildlife Hazard Management:
• Enhance wildlife monitoring and control measures, including:
• Bird deterrent systems.
• Regular runway inspections.
2. Operational Procedures:
• Review rejected takeoff protocols to ensure crew readiness for high-speed scenarios.
3. Maintenance Protocols:
• Assess the efficiency of Pratt & Whitney PW1133G engines in mitigating damage from bird ingestion.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by wildlife activity near airports. The crew’s prompt response ensured passenger safety, while the airport must assess and enhance wildlife hazard management to minimise future risks. Further investigation will focus on the extent of engine damage and airport measures to prevent similar occurrences.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the facts and evidence available at the time of writing. We apologise for any omissions or errors. For image takedowns, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
