Introduction
On 16 July 2023, a Vueling Airbus A320-200, registered EC-JTR, operating flight VY-2212 from Barcelona El Prat Airport (BCN) to Seville (SVQ), Spain, experienced a high-speed rejected takeoff due to a bird strike. The aircraft ingested a bird into one of its CFM56 engines, leading to an anomalous airspeed indication on the captain’s instruments.
The flight crew initiated an emergency stop at approximately 145 knots, coming to a halt 600 metres (2,000 feet) short of the runway end. Overheated brakes led to the deflation of at least three of the four main tyres, prompting an emergency evacuation via slides. Fifteen passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.
The Spanish CIAIAC (Comisión de Investigación de Accidentes e Incidentes de Aviación Civil) investigated the incident and concluded that a 900g peregrine falcon struck the aircraft’s Pitot tube, causing the captain’s airspeed indicator to drop suddenly, leading to the non-compliant rejected takeoff after V1.
Sequence of Events
Pre-Flight and Taxi to Runway
• The Vueling Airbus A320 was scheduled to depart Barcelona El Prat (BCN) for Seville (SVQ) as flight VY-2212.
• Weather conditions were favourable, and all pre-departure checks were normal.
• The aircraft lined up on Runway 24L, and the crew initiated takeoff with the thrust levers set for standard departure power settings.
Takeoff Roll and Bird Strike
• As the aircraft accelerated, both captain and first officer’s airspeed indicators displayed normal readings.
• At 129 knots, the first officer identified a bird on the runway and called “bird”.
• At approximately 142 knots, a loud thud was heard, and the captain’s airspeed indicator began displaying incorrect readings.
• At 147 knots, the first officer called “V1”, while the captain called “STOP”, initiating a rejected takeoff beyond the decision speed.
Deceleration and Overheated Brakes
• The crew engaged full reverse thrust and the autobrake system was set to MAX, causing a rapid deceleration.
• The aircraft came to a complete stop approximately 600 metres before the runway end.
• Brake temperatures quickly rose to critical levels, causing three of the four main tyres to deflate due to thermal protection mechanisms.
• Smoke and the smell of burning rubber were detected in the cockpit, leading the captain to initiate an emergency evacuation.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
• The crew deployed emergency slides, and passengers were evacuated.
• 15 passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation process.
• Firefighters cooled the overheated brakes before the aircraft was towed off the runway 2 hours and 15 minutes later.
Investigation Findings
1. Bird Strike and Pitot Tube Damage
• The investigation confirmed that the aircraft struck a 900g peregrine falcon, which impacted the captain’s Pitot tube, leading to an instantaneous and incorrect drop in airspeed reading.
• The first officer’s airspeed indicator remained normal, but the captain failed to cross-check his instruments before rejecting takeoff.
2. Rejected Takeoff After V1 – Non-Standard Operation
• The aircraft exceeded V1 (142 knots) before the rejected takeoff was initiated at 147 knots, which is not standard procedure unless severe engine failure or loss of control is detected.
• Rejecting takeoff at such high speeds significantly increased brake energy absorption, contributing to overheating and subsequent tyre deflation.
3. Brake System Lock and Evacuation Decision
• After stopping, the pilots attempted to taxi off the runway, but the aircraft would not move due to the autobrake system still being engaged in MAX mode.
• The high brake temperatures and burning rubber odour led the captain to assume a fire risk, prompting the emergency evacuation.
Key Safety Analysis and Recommendations
1. Importance of Instrument Cross-Checking
• Pilots should verify unreliable airspeed readings using standby and first officer’s indicators before rejecting takeoff.
• Rejecting a takeoff after V1 should only be considered in life-threatening scenarios, such as engine failure or loss of control.
2. Runway Wildlife Management and Mitigation
• Airports should implement enhanced wildlife control measures, including:
• Increased use of bird radar detection.
• More frequent runway sweeps before high-traffic departures.
• Auditory deterrent systems to scare birds away from active runway areas.
3. Pilot Training for High-Speed RTO Scenarios
• Training for rejected takeoff scenarios should emphasise the risks of stopping after V1, including excessive brake wear and increased risk of evacuation injuries.
• Emphasising brake cooling procedures and post-rejection taxi protocols can prevent unnecessary evacuations due to overheated brakes.
Conclusion
The Vueling Airbus A320 suffered a bird strike at high speed, leading to unreliable airspeed indications on the captain’s instruments. This resulted in a non-compliant rejected takeoff after V1, causing brake overheating, tyre deflation, and an emergency evacuation.
The Spanish CIAIAC concluded that the bird strike impacted the Pitot tube, leading to the captain’s misinterpretation of airspeed readings. The overheated brakes and immobilisation of the aircraft led to an evacuation decision, during which 15 passengers sustained minor injuries.
Key safety recommendations include improved wildlife hazard management, enhanced pilot training for high-speed rejected takeoffs, and improved cross-checking of airspeed indications before making critical decisions during takeoff.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on publicly available investigation findings as of 12 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish for them to be removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
