Overview
• Operator: Gol Transportes Aéreos
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-800
• Registration: PR-GUJ
• Flight Number: G3-1445
• Route: Brasília (BSB) to São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU)
• Date: 23 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
• Casualties: None reported
• Nature of Incident: Bird strike affecting right-hand engine (CFM56)
Incident Summary
A Gol Transportes Aéreos Boeing 737-800, operating as flight G3-1445, was departing Brasília International Airport (BSB) from runway 11R en route to São Paulo Guarulhos (GRU) when it suffered a bird strike into the right-hand CFM56 engine during initial climb.
The impact caused a visible streak of flames, prompting the crew to halt the climb at FL280 and return to Brasília for a precautionary landing. The aircraft landed safely on runway 11R approximately 35 minutes after departure.
A replacement Boeing 737-800 (PR-GXM) was dispatched, completing the journey to São Paulo with a delay of approximately 2 hours.
The affected aircraft remained on the ground for about 23 hours before being cleared to return to service.
Sequence of Events
Pre-incident Conditions:
• The flight departed Brasília normally from runway 11R, with no prior technical issues.
• No warnings of bird activity on the departure path were reported.
In-flight Occurrence:
• During initial climb, a bird struck the right-hand CFM56 engine, causing a visible streak of flames.
• The crew immediately monitored engine parameters and opted to stop the climb at FL280 for assessment.
• After confirming the need for a precautionary return, the crew declared an emergency and requested priority landing at Brasília.
Landing & Emergency Response:
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 11R about 35 minutes after departure.
• Emergency services inspected the aircraft, and no further damage beyond the right engine impact was reported.
• Passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft, which reached São Paulo with a 2-hour delay.
Investigation & Initial Findings
• A detailed engine inspection was conducted to assess any internal damage caused by the bird ingestion.
• The aircraft was returned to service after approximately 23 hours, indicating minor or no significant engine damage.
• Common risk factors for bird strikes include:
• High bird activity near airport environments.
• Departure and approach phases, when aircraft operate at lower altitudes.
• Engines ingesting birds, leading to potential fan blade or compressor damage.
Analysis & Safety Recommendations
• Wildlife management efforts at Brasília Airport should be reviewed to mitigate bird strike risks in high-traffic areas.
• Routine engine borescopic inspections should be emphasized following bird ingestion incidents, ensuring hidden damage is detected.
• Pilots should continue to follow immediate response protocols, such as engine monitoring and precautionary landings, in the event of a suspected bird strike.
• Regulatory and maintenance teams may assess the need for further preventive measures to enhance airport bird strike avoidance strategies.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 24 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.”
