Uzbekistan Airways Boeing 767 Bird Strike Incident (UK67003)

Incident Overview and Flight Details On 26 February 2022, a Boeing 767 with registration UK 67003, operated by Uzbekistan Airways, was conducting charter passenger flight HY-3332 from Jeddah to Tashkent. The aircraft departed Jeddah at 18:46 UTC. During descent into Tashkent at night in simple weather conditions, the aircraft struck a single bird at an altitude of 7,580 feet (2,500 m) and an indicated airspeed of 237 knots. The crew continued the approach and landed safely at Tashkent at 22:56 UTC. A total of 241 passengers were on board, and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew. ## Aircraft and Maintenance Information The aircraft, a Boeing 767 with serial number 40534, was manufactured in 2012 and had accumulated 33,058 flight hours and 7,762 landings. Its last periodic maintenance was performed on 20 February 2022, and an operational check was completed at Jeddah on 26 February 2022. No technical issues were reported before departure. ## Investigation Findings and Damage Assessment Post-flight inspection revealed traces of a single bird strike and damage to the nose radome. The paint damage measured 230 by 200 mm and was outside acceptable limits according to the Structural Repair Manual. The nose radome was subsequently replaced, and the aircraft was returned to service. Analysis of flight data confirmed the bird strike at 7,580 feet, approximately 40 km from Tashkent, outside the airport's ornithological support zone. No changes in aircraft systems or engine performance were recorded. ## Contributing Factors and Recommendations The investigation identified that the flight crew did not report the bird strike to air traffic control as required by company procedures. The report recommended that the findings be reviewed by all relevant personnel at Uzbekistan Airways and Uzbekistan Airports, and that flight services management ensure crews strictly adhere to the company's aviation event response guidelines.