KLM Embraer E175 Encounters Bird Strike on Approach to Inverness, Forcing Go-Around

Inverness, Scotland – On August 1st, 2024, a KLM Embraer ERJ-175, registration PH-EXJ, operating flight KL-901 from Amsterdam to Inverness, experienced a bird strike during its final approach to runway 23 at Inverness Airport. The incident occurred at approximately 400 feet above mean sea level (MSL), prompting the flight crew to initiate a go-around as a precautionary measure.

Incident Overview

As the aircraft was making its final descent into Inverness, it struck a bird, which caused the crew to abandon the approach and climb back to 5,000 feet. The pilots then circled the area to reassess the situation and ensure the safety of the aircraft before attempting another approach. Approximately 25 minutes after the go-around, the aircraft successfully landed on runway 23 without further incident.

In the aftermath of the bird strike, KLM made the decision to cancel the return flight to Amsterdam. The aircraft remained on the ground in Inverness for approximately 23 hours before being repositioned to Cork, Ireland, for further inspection and maintenance.

Impact of the Bird Strike

Further information received on August 3rd, 2024, revealed that the bird strike had caused significant concern because it impacted and blocked the right-hand dynamic port, a critical component of the aircraft’s air data system. The dynamic port is responsible for measuring air pressure to determine the aircraft’s airspeed and altitude, and any blockage can lead to erroneous readings that could compromise flight safety.

The crew’s prompt decision to go around was a precautionary measure that allowed them to assess the situation without rushing the landing. This decision likely prevented potential complications that could have arisen from the blocked dynamic port during the landing phase.

Airline Response and Passenger Impact

KLM confirmed the bird strike incident and reported that affected passengers were rebooked onto alternative flights. The airline’s swift response ensured that passenger disruptions were minimized while prioritizing safety.

The decision to cancel the return flight and ground the aircraft for nearly a full day reflects the airline’s commitment to safety and the thoroughness required in post-incident inspections, particularly when critical flight instruments like the dynamic port are involved.

Safety and Operational Considerations

Bird strikes remain a significant hazard in aviation, particularly during the critical phases of takeoff and landing. In this case, the bird strike at a low altitude posed an immediate risk, but the flight crew’s adherence to safety protocols and their decision to go around mitigated potential dangers.

The prolonged grounding of the aircraft for inspection and its repositioning to Cork for further maintenance underscore the importance of rigorous post-incident evaluations, especially when vital systems may have been compromised. The incident also highlights the need for continued vigilance in bird hazard management at airports.

Conclusion

The August 1st bird strike incident involving KLM’s Embraer E175 serves as a reminder of the ongoing risks that wildlife can pose to aviation safety. The professional handling of the situation by the flight crew ensured a safe outcome, and the subsequent actions taken by KLM reflect a strong commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

As the aviation industry continues to improve bird strike prevention and response strategies, incidents like this one will contribute to the body of knowledge necessary to enhance the safety of air travel. Passengers can be reassured that thorough checks and maintenance procedures are in place to handle such unexpected events effectively.