- An Allegiant Air Airbus A320 flying from Phoenix to Des Moines encountered multiple bird strikes shortly after takeoff.
- Despite engine damage, the pilots safely returned the aircraft to Phoenix with no injuries reported.
- The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of bird strikes for aviation safety.
Bird Strike Damages Engines, Allegiant Air A320 Returns Safely
An Allegiant Air Airbus A320 flying from Phoenix to Des Moines on January 26th experienced a tense situation when the aircraft encountered multiple bird strikes shortly after takeoff. Despite sustaining damage to both engines, the pilots displayed remarkable composure and safely returned the aircraft to Phoenix, ensuring the well-being of all passengers and crew onboard.According to a preliminary report from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the incident unfolded when flight G4693, a five-year-old Airbus A320, was climbing out of Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport. As the aircraft rotated from the runway, the crew reported encountering "multiple" bird strikes. Reacting swiftly, the pilots informed air traffic control of their intention to return to the airport and were guided through the necessary procedures.
Despite the engine damage, the pilots managed to climb the aircraft to approximately 6,000 feet before executing a safe landing back at Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport roughly 10 minutes later. A post-flight inspection confirmed damage to both engines, highlighting the potential severity of bird strikes in aviation.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present danger posed by bird strikes to aircraft, even at relatively low altitudes. Fortunately, the quick thinking and skillful actions of the Allegiant Air crew ensured a positive outcome in this instance.
