PARIS, France – A tragic plane crash in South Korea that claimed the lives of 179 people aboard a Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 has reignited concerns about bird strikes—a frequent and sometimes fatal hazard in aviation worldwide.
Initially, officials pointed to a bird strike as the possible cause of the accident. Although investigations are ongoing, the incident highlights the growing risks associated with bird collisions as air traffic increases globally.
Bird Strikes on the Rise
In the United States alone, bird strikes surged by 10% in 2022, with 17,190 incidents reported, reflecting a rebound in air travel after the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 1990 and 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recorded 291,600 wildlife-related incidents involving civil aircraft.
Similarly, in mainland France, an average of 600 bird strikes occur annually during commercial flights. Fortunately, less than 8% of these incidents result in serious consequences—a number that has been declining in recent years.
Globally, bird strikes have destroyed 250 aircraft since 1988, causing 262 fatalities, according to the Australian Aviation Wildlife Hazard Group. These incidents also result in over $1.2 billion in damages to aircraft each year.
How Bird Strikes Happen
Most bird collisions occur at low altitudes—between 0 and 50 feet—during takeoffs or landings. Although rarer, high-altitude strikes do happen, such as a 2021 crash in France when a tourist plane hit a cormorant.
One of the most famous bird strike incidents was the 2009 “Miracle on the Hudson,” where a US Airways pilot safely landed an Airbus A320 in the Hudson River after hitting a flock of geese.
The Dangers of Bird Strikes
While most bird strikes result in minor damage, some cases can have severe consequences:
- Engine Damage: When birds enter an engine, they can damage the compressor, potentially causing engine failure or fires.
- Flight Risks: A bird strike might force precautionary landings, aborted takeoffs, or emergency returns. In extreme cases, the collision could compromise systems like hydraulics and landing gear.
However, aviation experts emphasize that dual-engine failure from bird strikes is “exceedingly rare.” Modern aircraft are designed to rely on one functioning engine if the other fails.
Preventing Bird Strikes
To minimize risks, aviation authorities and airports have implemented several measures:
- Engine Tests: Manufacturers simulate bird impacts by launching dead birds into engines during stress tests.
- Airport Measures: Airports use bird distress calls, air cannons, and other tools to scare birds away.
A Stark Reminder
The Jeju Air crash has spotlighted the importance of continuous safety measures against bird strikes. Experts urge vigilance during migration seasons when bird activity increases.
While aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, this incident serves as a reminder of how small, seemingly unlikely events can lead to significant consequences in the skies.
