Introduction
On 13 March 2025, a PSA Airlines Canadair CRJ-700, registration N534AE, operating flight AA-5432 on behalf of American Airlines, encountered a bird strike while on approach to Des Moines International Airport (DSM). The aircraft, arriving from Washington National Airport (DCA), was impacted by multiple birds, with at least one penetrating the fuselage. Despite the incident, the aircraft landed safely on Runway 05 without further complications.
The FAA confirmed the incident, stating:
“AIRCRAFT STRUCK BIRDS, ONE BIRD PENETRATED EXTERIOR DAMAGING ELECTRICAL PANEL UNDER FIRST OFFICER WINDOW AND ANOTHER DENTED THE SKIN UNDER THE CAPTAIN’S WINDOW, DES MOINES, IA.”
The extent of the damage remains unknown, and the aircraft remains grounded at Des Moines International Airport as of 17 March 2025.
Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft: Canadair CRJ-700
• Operator: PSA Airlines (on behalf of American Airlines)
• Flight Number: AA-5432
• Route: Washington National (DCA) → Des Moines (DSM)
• Date: 13 March 2025
• Occupants: Unknown (CRJ-700 typically seats 65-75 passengers)
• Incident: Bird strike on final approach, fuselage penetration
• Final Outcome: Safe landing on Runway 05
• Aircraft Status: Grounded at DSM as of 17 March 2025
Sequence of Events
1. Approach to Des Moines – Bird Strike Encountered
• The aircraft was on final approach to Runway 05 at DSM when it encountered a flock of birds.
• Multiple birds struck the fuselage, causing visible damage to the aircraft’s exterior.
2. Damage Assessment
• The FAA report confirmed that:
• One bird penetrated the exterior fuselage, damaging an electrical panel beneath the First Officer’s window.
• Another bird struck the aircraft’s skin under the Captain’s window, causing a noticeable dent.
• The extent of internal system damage remains undetermined, pending further inspection.
3. Landing & Post-Flight Inspection
• The aircraft landed safely on Runway 05 without any reported handling issues.
• The crew taxied to the gate, where a post-flight inspection identified the extent of the damage.
• No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
4. Aircraft Grounding & FAA Investigation
• The aircraft remains on the ground at Des Moines International Airport as of 17 March 2025, suggesting further damage evaluation and potential repairs are ongoing.
• The FAA has initiated an investigation, standard procedure for incidents involving bird strikes that cause structural damage.
Analysis of Damage & Safety Considerations
1. Structural Integrity Concerns
• A bird penetrating the fuselage is a serious safety concern, especially when it affects critical aircraft systems such as avionics, wiring, or flight controls.
• The electrical panel damage beneath the First Officer’s window could affect cockpit displays, instrument readings, or control systems.
• The dent beneath the Captain’s window may be superficial, but it requires thorough inspection for potential underlying structural damage.
2. Potential Impact on Flight Controls & Instrumentation
• Bird strikes near cockpit windows pose a high risk of damaging sensors, avionics, or electrical connections that are vital for aircraft operation.
• If the bird impacted wiring linked to primary flight instruments, it could have caused faulty readings or system malfunctions.
3. Wildlife Hazard Management at DSM
• The incident raises concerns about bird activity near Des Moines International Airport.
• The FAA and airport authorities will likely review wildlife control measures, including:
• Bird detection radar effectiveness
• Runway and approach zone monitoring
• Possible habitat modifications to reduce bird presence
Bird Strike Risk & Industry Precautions
Bird Strike Data & Aircraft Vulnerability
• Bird strikes are one of the most common aviation hazards, with over 14,000 reported annually in the U.S. alone.
• The CRJ-700 is particularly vulnerable in approach phases, where engines, fuselage, and cockpit windows are most exposed.
• Bird strikes at lower altitudes (<5,000 ft) are the most frequent, particularly during takeoff and landing.
Mitigation Strategies for Future Flights
1. Enhanced Bird Monitoring & Airport Wildlife Programs
• More proactive bird control near airports using falconry, sound deterrents, and habitat management.
• Stronger FAA-mandated bird strike prevention strategies at key airports with high bird activity.
2. Aircraft Structural Enhancements
• Research into more impact-resistant cockpit window and fuselage materials to withstand strikes.
• Airlines may reassess the structural vulnerabilities of their fleet to mitigate penetration risks.
3. Pilot Training for Bird Strike Management
• Simulator training for pilots on sudden bird impact scenarios, including cockpit penetration risks.
• Better coordination with ATC for immediate post-impact assessments and return-to-base (RTB) protocols if needed.
Investigation & Next Steps
• The FAA is conducting a review of the aircraft damage and Des Moines airport’s bird control measures.
• The airline’s maintenance team is evaluating the full extent of the damage to determine:
• Whether repairs can be performed at Des Moines or if the aircraft requires ferrying to a maintenance hub.
• If electrical system integrity was compromised, which would require extensive system checks before clearing the aircraft for flight.
• Des Moines airport authorities may implement additional wildlife control measures to prevent future incidents in this approach sector.
Conclusion
The PSA Airlines CRJ-700 operating American Airlines Flight AA-5432 from Washington National to Des Moines suffered a bird strike on approach, causing structural damage and fuselage penetration beneath the First Officer’s window.
Despite the impact, the crew completed a safe landing, and no injuries were reported. However, the aircraft remains grounded pending further inspections and repairs.
This incident highlights the ongoing risks associated with bird strikes, particularly during approach and landing, and underscores the importance of wildlife hazard mitigation at major airports.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available information as of 17 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee the completeness of the information provided. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
