Incident Overview
An airplane struck a flock of canvas back ducks shortly after takeoff while climbing through 800 feet above ground level. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The captain reported that the landing lights illuminated the ducks, and in less than a second the airplane struck them.
Engine Damage and Shutdown
The left engine fan blade was struck by three to five ducks at the midspan shroud, liberating the fan blade tip, which was contained within the engine. The impact caused movement of the variable stator vanes and 2.5 bleed valves. Subsequently, the engine made an uncommanded shutdown.
Hydraulic System Failure
The hydraulic pressure supply manifold broke due to high vibratory fatigue after the impact. This failure also resulted in minimizing the amount of fuel released into the engine nacelle.
Return and Landing
The airplane returned for landing at the departure airport without further incident.