Overview
• Operator: Tarom
• Aircraft Model: ATR-72-212A
• Registration: YR-ATI
• Flight Number: RO-637
• Route: Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) → Satu Mare (SUJ)
• Date: 10 March 2025
• Occupants: 32 passengers, 4 crew
• Incident Type: Bird Strike (Pheasant) on Rollout
• Damage: Left-hand propeller blade damage
• Outcome: Safe landing, return flight cancelled
• Investigation: Internal airline assessment
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Incident Summary
Tarom flight RO-637 successfully landed at Satu Mare’s runway 01, but during rollout, a pheasant collided with the left-hand propeller.
The aircraft came to a complete stop without further issues, and passengers disembarked safely. However, post-flight inspection revealed damage to one of the left-hand propeller blades, rendering the aircraft unable to perform its return flight to Bucharest.
As a result, flight RO-638 was cancelled.
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Sequence of Events
1. Approach & Landing
• The aircraft executed a normal approach to Satu Mare’s runway 01.
• Touchdown was uneventful, with no abnormal indications.
2. Bird Strike During Rollout
• A pheasant collided with the left-hand propeller while the aircraft was decelerating.
• The impact damaged one of the propeller blades.
3. Aircraft Inspection & Flight Cancellation
• Ground crews assessed the aircraft and confirmed visible propeller damage.
• The return flight RO-638 was cancelled as a precaution.
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Investigation Findings & Initial Analysis
1. Bird Strike Location & Impact
• The collision occurred post-touchdown, meaning it did not affect landing performance.
• The pheasant struck the rotating propeller, causing blade damage.
2. Structural & Operational Damage
• The left-hand propeller blade sustained significant damage, requiring further inspection.
• The aircraft was declared unfit for immediate flight, prompting the cancellation of the return leg.
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Potential Causes & Contributing Factors
1. Presence of Birds Near the Runway
• Satu Mare Airport’s proximity to open fields may increase bird activity.
• The pheasant’s presence during rollout suggests a possible lapse in wildlife control measures.
2. Impact Dynamics
• Bird strikes on propeller-driven aircraft pose a greater risk of damage, as the rotating blades increase impact severity.
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Safety Recommendations & Future Prevention
1. Enhanced Bird Control Measures at Airports
• Strengthening bird deterrence strategies, including regular wildlife monitoring.
• Possible modification of vegetation management around the runway to reduce bird attraction.
2. Additional Aircraft Inspections Post-Landing
• Mandatory post-landing inspections following bird strikes, regardless of severity.
• Use of borescopes for internal damage assessment if bird impact occurs near engines or propellers.
3. Operational Review of Bird Strike Risk at Satu Mare
• A risk assessment for bird activity at Satu Mare Airport to evaluate potential mitigation strategies.
• Coordination between Tarom and airport authorities to implement wildlife control improvements.
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Conclusion
While the bird strike caused propeller damage, Tarom flight RO-637 landed safely without incident. The crew followed standard procedures, ensuring passenger safety and a thorough aircraft inspection before the return flight was cancelled.
Bird activity at regional airports like Satu Mare remains a known hazard, and improved wildlife management measures could reduce future occurrences.
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Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 10 March 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.”
