Incident Overview
On November 10, 2011, at about 1157 central standard time, Delta Air Lines Flight 1691, an Airbus A320-211 (registration N331NW), experienced a bird strike during initial climb after departing from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (KMSP), Minneapolis, Minnesota. The flight was operating as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 regularly scheduled passenger flight from KMSP to Reno–Tahoe International Airport (KRNO), Reno, Nevada. There were 150 passengers and crew members on board, and no injuries were reported. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Flight Crew Account
According to the flight crew, a flock of 50 to 100 large white birds, possibly geese, appeared in front of the airplane during initial climb. The first officer, who was the pilot flying, increased the rate of climb to attempt to avoid the flock, but at least one bird impacted the aircraft. After the strike, the flight crew received an Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM) message indicating a loss of cabin pressure, and the right-side airspeed indication became erratic. The flight crew declared an emergency and made an uneventful landing back at KMSP.
Damage Assessment
Examination of the aircraft after landing revealed substantial damage to the forward pressure bulkhead and minor damage to the right engine. Photographs taken after the incident show bird strike damage to the radome, right engine, and the E and E bay (electronics and electrical bay). A bird was recovered from the E and E bay.