On January 26, an Allegiant Air Airbus A320-214(SL) encountered a bird strike during its climb, impacting both engines. Despite this, the aircraft executed a successful emergency landing, resulting in no serious injuries.
Allegiant Flight G4-693, operated by N257NV, departed from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) enroute to Des Moines International Airport (DSM), taking off from Runway 30C. Shortly after takeoff, the aircraft experienced multiple bird strikes.
In response, the crew decided to discontinue the flight and initiated an air turnback. The aircraft leveled off at 6,000 feet, making a right turn to join downwind for Runway 30L. Approximately 15 minutes after departure, the emergency landing was successfully executed.
Subsequent inspection of the aircraft after landing revealed that it sustained damages to both of its engines.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that:
AIRCRAFT REPORTED MULTIPLE BIRD STRIKES ON ROTATION. AIRCRAFT RETURNED AND LANDED WITHOUT INCIDENT. POST FLIGHT INSPECTION REVEALED DAMAGE TO BOTH ENGINES.
The FAA categorized the incident as minor. Eventually, N257NV returned to service after undergoing a thorough maintenance inspection.
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