Bird strike during takeoff at Trapani Birgi Airport

No fatalities • Birgi, Trapani, Sicily, Italy, Italy

A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 experienced engine damage after striking a flock of birds during takeoff in Sicily.

What happened

On September 29, 2009, at 8:15 UTC, a Boeing 737-800, registration EI-DWD, was performing a takeoff from runway 31L at Trapani Birgi Airport (LICT) in Sicily, Italy. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft encountered and struck a flock of birds.

The ingestion of birds into the engines resulted in damage to the fan blades of both engines. Following the strike, the crew executed an air turn back to Trapani Birgi Airport. The aircraft landed without further incident. There were no injuries reported among the 6 crew members and 165 passengers on board.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Sep 2009 BOEING 737 800 accident near Birgi, Trapani, Sicily, Italy, Italy?

A Ryanair Boeing 737-800 experienced engine damage after striking a flock of birds during takeoff in Sicily.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Sep 2009 BOEING 737 800 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Sep 2009 involved a BOEING 737 800, operated by Ryanair, at Birgi, Trapani, Sicily, Italy, Italy.

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