B737 flight crew reported a bird strike on takeoff had sheared off the Angle of Attack vane resulting in a loss of airspeed and altitude information and a return to the departure airport.
Synopsis
B737 flight crew reported a bird strike on takeoff had sheared off the Angle of Attack vane resulting in a loss of airspeed and altitude information and a return to the departure airport.
Narrative
After liftoff as the nose wheel was retracting; we heard a loud bang approximately under the Captain window. We noted airspeed disagree flags illuminated on PFD. I noted erroneous airspeed readings followed by the red stall warning tape and stick shaker warnings. The stick shaker fired continuously until after landing. We completed the memory items for unreliable airspeed. We complied with the QRC and QRH checklist. The First Officer's instruments were determined to be accurate Per QRH checklist. We requested priority handling with Departure; climbed to a safe altitude; and received vectors back to ZZZ for an uneventful landing with Captain's airspeed and altitude unreliable. We coordinated with Dispatch; informed the Flight Attendants; and made a PA to the Passengers. No Passenger issues were noted. After landing; we taxied to the Gate and were told by Ground Control that Airport Ops found that we hit a hawk. The AOA (Angle Of Attack) vane was missing from the aircraft due to the bird strike. Logbook write up was completed and Dispatch helped coordinate all parties for debrief.
Second reporter narrative
At rotation a loud bang was heard near the Captain's side of the aircraft. After liftoff the Stick Shaker; Airspeed Disagree and Altitude disagree were displayed. Appropriate checklists were accomplished. Appropriate communication was made (ie: Dispatch; Passengers; F/As; ATC). The aircraft returned to ZZZ for a normal landing. Upon arrival at the gate it was determined that the Captain's side AOA Vane was broken off. Also; a large hawk was found on the Runway shortly after the takeoff.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.