On August 10, 2024, a Jet2.com Boeing 737-300, registration G-GDFK, encountered a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) in the United Kingdom. The aircraft, operating flight LS-227 from Leeds to Palma de Mallorca, Spain, was carrying 135 passengers and 5 crew members. During the initial climb, the aircraft experienced a bird strike, resulting in the ingestion of the bird into one of its CFM56 engines. The strike caused severe engine vibrations, prompting the crew to halt the climb and safely return to Leeds.
Summary of Incident Details
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-300
• Registration: G-GDFK
• Engine Type: CFM56-3 turbofan
• Flight Number: LS-227
• Departure Airport: Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA), UK
• Destination Airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), Spain
• Incident Occurrence: During initial climb after takeoff from runway 32 at Leeds Bradford
• Incident Altitude: FL100 (10,000 feet)
• Return Time: Approximately 45 minutes after departure
The aircraft returned to Leeds Bradford safely, landing on the same runway (32) it had departed from. Following the incident, the aircraft remained grounded for an extended inspection and repair process and was still on the ground about 29 hours after the incident occurred.
Bird Strike and In-Flight Engine Issues: Technical Details
Bird strikes are a common hazard in aviation, particularly during takeoff and landing when aircraft operate at lower altitudes. In this case, the bird strike resulted in the ingestion of a bird into one of the CFM56-3 engines, causing severe vibrations in the engine. The CFM56-3, widely used on the Boeing 737-300, is generally reliable but can suffer significant damage from foreign object ingestion.
Key Specifications of the CFM56-3 Engine
• Thrust: Approximately 20,000 lbs per engine
• Fan Diameter: 60 inches
• Bypass Ratio: Approximately 5.1:1
• Operating Cycle: High-cycle engine suitable for short-haul operations
• Core Components: Single-stage fan, 9-stage high-pressure compressor, and a 4-stage low-pressure turbine
Bird ingestion incidents can damage several critical components within the engine:
1. Fan Blades: Bird strikes often cause fan blade deformation or fractures, leading to imbalances and vibrations.
2. Compressor and Turbine Sections: Debris can enter the high-pressure compressor, causing blade damage or even stalling.
3. Combustor and Hot Section: Ingestion may introduce foreign materials into the hot section, causing thermal imbalances and potential overheating.
In this incident, the crew likely observed immediate signs of engine distress, such as severe vibrations, unusual engine readings, and possibly abnormal noise, prompting a swift decision to return to base.
Emergency Response and Crew Actions
The crew of flight LS-227 followed standard procedures for handling an in-flight engine issue resulting from a bird strike:
1. Monitoring and Diagnostics: Upon noticing the vibrations, the crew would have carefully monitored engine parameters (e.g., RPM, EGT – Exhaust Gas Temperature, vibration levels) to assess the extent of the damage.
2. Climb Halt and Return Decision: Given the severity of the vibrations, the crew stopped the climb at FL100 (10,000 feet) and initiated a return to Leeds Bradford. The decision to level off and return was critical to ensure passenger safety and prevent further potential engine degradation.
3. Controlled Descent and Landing: After holding to assess engine performance, the crew executed a controlled descent and safe landing on runway 32, the same runway used for departure. This efficient handling minimized risks to passengers and allowed for an expedited response from ground support teams.
Impact of Bird Strikes on Aviation Safety and Maintenance
Bird strikes, though relatively rare, are a common hazard during flight operations, especially at low altitudes. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), bird strikes cause millions of pounds in annual damage to aircraft worldwide, with engine ingestion being one of the most damaging types of incidents.
Technical and Financial Impact of Bird Strike Incidents
1. Engine Inspections and Repairs: Following a bird strike, an engine will undergo detailed inspection and possible replacement of damaged parts. Common checks include:
• Fan Blade Inspection: Assessing for fractures, cracks, or deformities.
• High-Pressure Compressor and Turbine: Examination for any foreign object debris (FOD) damage or impact marks.
• Engine Vibration Analysis: Detecting any imbalances introduced by damage to rotating parts.
2. Grounding Duration: Bird strike incidents, especially those involving engine ingestion, can ground an aircraft for several hours to days. In this case, G-GDFK remained grounded for at least 29 hours to undergo a thorough inspection and any necessary repairs.
3. Cost Implications: A single bird strike can cost an airline between £40,000 and £800,000, depending on the extent of the damage, inspection requirements, and any engine parts replacements necessary.
Bird Strike Prevention and Mitigation
To reduce bird strikes, airports often implement a range of wildlife management practices, including:
• Habitat Modification: Reducing vegetation and water sources near runways to deter birds.
• Deterrent Systems: Using sounds, lights, or even trained birds of prey to scare off potential hazards.
• Radar Systems: Monitoring bird activity to alert air traffic control and flight crews about increased bird presence.
Jet2’s Response and Operational Impact
Following the safe return of the aircraft, Jet2 immediately grounded G-GDFK to assess and repair the damaged engine. The extended grounding of the aircraft highlights the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and strict adherence to maintenance protocols following such incidents.
Jet2’s response to this incident would have included:
1. Passenger Assistance: Jet2 likely provided alternative travel arrangements, accommodations, and compensation for the delay, per European Union Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which mandates passenger rights in cases of significant delays or cancellations.
2. Operational Adjustments: To cover the disrupted service, Jet2 may have deployed a spare aircraft or rescheduled other flights, depending on fleet availability.
3. Reporting and Regulatory Compliance: Jet2 would have filed a report on the incident with relevant authorities, such as the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), documenting the event details and maintenance actions taken.
Conclusion and Importance of Proactive Safety Measures
The bird strike incident involving Jet2’s Boeing 737-300 at Leeds Bradford Airport underscores the persistent risk that wildlife poses to aviation. The crew’s rapid response ensured the safety of all passengers and crew, while Jet2’s grounding of the aircraft for an extended inspection highlights the importance of strict maintenance protocols.
Bird strike incidents, particularly those resulting in engine ingestion, necessitate a high level of vigilance from flight crews, ground staff, and airport wildlife management teams. The incident also serves as a reminder of the ongoing safety efforts required to mitigate the risks associated with bird activity around airports.
Disclaimer
This analysis is based on initial reports and available data regarding the incident. Further findings from Jet2 or aviation authorities may clarify specific details or actions taken following the bird strike. We apologize if any information is incomplete or subject to updates.
