What happened
On 17 October 2000, a Boeing 737-229, registration G-CEAD, was performing a passenger flight from London-Stansted Airport. Shortly after departure, while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 250 feet and the landing gear was in the process of retracting, the aircraft encountered several bird strikes.
The flight crew reported hearing a thumping sound and noticed a momentary drop in the No 2 engine pressure ratio (EPR), which decreased from 1.97 to 1.8. Additionally, a burning odor was detected within the cabin. In response to the event, the crew declared a full emergency and proceeded to fly a visual circuit at 1,500 feet, maintaining a takeoff flap 5 configuration. The Airport Fire Service was notified as a precaution. The aircraft subsequently completed a standard two-engine landing on Runway 2 and returned to the ramp without further complications.
The investigation
Following the landing, a thorough inspection of the aircraft was conducted. Investigators identified bloodstains on the No 2 engine intake bullet and cowling, as well as on the inboard leading edge of the left wing and the left main landing gear.
Engine inspections, which included a borescope examination of the compressor, showed no internal damage to the No 2 engine. No significant structural damage to the airframe was discovered. After removing organic debris, which was identified as likely originating from wood pigeons, the crew performed ground engine runs and flight control checks, all of which were successful. The aircraft was then cleared to return to service.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained multiple bird strikes during the initial climb phase.
- The primary cause was the ingestion of birds into the engine and impact with the airframe.
- Evidence of bird strikes was localized to the No 2 engine intake, the left wing leading edge, and the landing gear.