What happened
On February 28, 2024, at approximately 11:00 UTC, a Boeing 737-800, registration LV-KEF, was performing a scheduled commercial flight from Ministro Pistarini International Airport (Ezeiza) to São Paulo-Guarulhos International Airport. During the takeoff roll on runway 11, the crew encountered a bird strike involving the number two engine.
In response to the ingestion of birds into the engine, the flight crew immediately aborted the takeoff maneuver. The aircraft decelerated and came to a stop at the intersection of taxiway "Delta." Following the incident, the flight was canceled, and all passengers were disembarked from the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted as a desk inquiry, focused on the physical evidence and maintenance inspections. No structural damage or fire was detected on the aircraft, and emergency services were not required. Following the event, airport authorities coordinated a runway inspection alongside bird control services. During this sweep, bird remains—identified as a chimango (*Milvago chimango*)—were discovered between taxiways "Echo" and "Delta." The area was subsequently cleaned by specialized wildlife personnel.
To ensure airworthiness, the operator requested a maintenance inspection. Technicians performed a borescope inspection of the number two engine. The evaluation revealed carbon deposits and wear marks, but all findings remained within standard operating parameters, and no additional damage was identified.
Findings
- The primary cause of the aborted takeoff was the ingestion of birds into the number two engine during the takeoff roll.
- The presence of bird remains between taxiways "Echo" and "Delta" confirmed the location of the strike.
- Post-incident borescope inspections confirmed the engine remained within operational limits with no structural damage found.