Azul Embraer E195 Diverts to Sao Paulo Viracopos After Bird Strike

On August 2nd, 2024, an Azul Linhas Aéreas Embraer ERJ-195, registration PR-AXU, operating flight AD-2782 from São Paulo Congonhas to Rio de Janeiro Santos Dumont, Brazil, encountered a bird strike during its initial climb. A large vulture struck the right-hand engine (CF34) as the aircraft was departing from runway 35R at Congonhas Airport.

Incident Overview:

• Bird Strike: Shortly after takeoff from São Paulo Congonhas Airport, while the aircraft was climbing to FL100 (10,000 feet), a large vulture impacted the right-hand engine. Bird strikes are a significant hazard to aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing phases when aircraft are at lower altitudes. The impact with the vulture posed a potential risk to the engine’s functionality, prompting the crew to take immediate action.
• Crew Response and Diversion: Following the bird strike, the crew halted the climb at FL100 and made the decision to divert to São Paulo Viracopos Airport as a precaution. The aircraft landed safely at Viracopos without further complications.

Aftermath:

• Aircraft Grounded: As of the last report, the aircraft has remained on the ground at Viracopos for approximately 76 hours (3 days and 4 hours) following the bird strike. Engineers are likely conducting a thorough inspection of the engine and other systems to assess the extent of any potential damage caused by the bird strike before the aircraft can return to service.
• Flight Disruption: The incident led to the flight’s diversion and cancellation, and passengers were likely rebooked on alternative flights. Azul Linhas Aéreas has not yet provided an update on when the aircraft will be back in service.

Conclusion:

The swift response by the flight crew ensured a safe landing after the bird strike, with no injuries reported. The aircraft remains grounded for inspection, demonstrating the potential impact that bird strikes can have on flight operations. This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of wildlife hazards in aviation, particularly in areas where large birds, such as vultures, are present near airports.