What happened
On January 28, 2026, an Airbus A330-343, registration N5827K, was performing a domestic cargo flight for Amazon.com Services LLC from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) to George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).
While climbing through approximately 900 to 1,000 feet after departing runway 27, the pilot monitoring observed a flock of geese crossing from right to left. The crew reported multiple bird impacts on both sides of the aircraft. Following the strike, the crew observed an ENG 1 FAULT and a subsequent ENG 1 FAIL indication on the Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor (ECAM).
The captain declared an emergency and requested a return to CVG. During the return flight, the crew observed smoke entering the cockpit, triggering a main deck smoke ECAM message. The crew donned oxygen masks and performed the required Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures. After configuring the aircraft for landing, the smoke dissipated, and the crew continued the approach.
Upon landing on runway 36R, the first officer stopped the aircraft on the runway. Airport rescue and firefighting (ARFF) personnel inspected the plane. The crew completed procedures for the left engine failure and discharged fire extinguishing agent. After confirming no fire was present, the aircraft was towed to the ramp. Airport operations recovered the remains of eight Canada geese.
There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft identified bird remains on the left main landing gear door and strut, the left-wing inboard flap, the No. 2 engine pylon, and the right-wing leading-edge slat and slat track.
Both engines showed evidence of bird ingestion. The left engine nacelle, including the inside and outside of the inlet and the fan blades, showed damage and bird remnants. The left engine fan exhibited visible misalignment and restricted rotation. The right engine showed damage to the inlet cowl acoustic liner, with bird remains found on the spinner and the exhaust nozzle; however, the right engine fan rotated freely.