Incident Overview
On July 16, 2023, at 07:45 local time, an Airbus A320-214 operated by Vueling Airlines S.A. experienced a bird strike during the takeoff roll at Barcelona Airport (LEBL). The aircraft, registered as EC-JTR with serial number 2798, was conducting a regular domestic passenger flight under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
Operational Details
The incident occurred during the acceleration phase of the takeoff. Upon impact with the bird, the flight crew initiated a rejected takeoff maneuver. The aircraft decelerated and came to a stop on the runway. Following the stop, an emergency evacuation was conducted for all persons on board.
Personnel and Damage
There were six crew members and 185 passengers aboard the aircraft at the time of the incident. The investigation report notes that the event is classified as an incident rather than a fatal accident, implying no fatalities occurred, though specific injury details are not elaborated in the provided synopsis. The aircraft sustained damage consistent with a bird strike, particularly affecting systems related to air data and braking, as indicated by the technical sections of the report.
Investigation Context
The investigation was conducted by the Spanish Civil Aviation Accident and Incident Investigation Commission (CIAIAC). The primary objective was to determine the probable causes and contributing factors to prevent future occurrences. The report highlights specific technical aspects such as the measurement and representation of speed on the aircraft, the brake system performance, and the procedures for aborting a takeoff. Additionally, the investigation reviewed the airport's wildlife management program and the necropsy of the bird involved.