A320 Flight Crew reported a bird strike during takeoff resulting in a crack on the First Officer's lower front edge window. The flight crew informed ATC and Dispatch of the situation and decided to return to the departure airport.
Synopsis
A320 Flight Crew reported a bird strike during takeoff resulting in a crack on the First Officer's lower front edge window. The flight crew informed ATC and Dispatch of the situation and decided to return to the departure airport.
Narrative
After takeoff; at around 2;500 feet; a large bird struck the aircraft near the lower front edge of the FO's front window. A large smear of bird remains covered the window after the event. Upon inspection we observed what looked like a crack in the window. I then informed ATC of the event and asked for delay vectors while we worked some procedures for the event and would soon be requesting vectors for a return to ZZZ. I advised dispatch through ACARS of the event and that we would be returning. We then went through the Overweight Landing procedure as we were around 157;000 pounds. I then called the lead FA and informed here of the situation and then made a PA to the passengers of the situation and that we would be returning to ZZZ. We were given vectors to [Runway] XXR in ZZZ and made an uneventful landing. The max brake temperature reached was 460 degrees. Upon reaching the gate maintenance took the aircraft out of service to inspect the window and do the Overweight landing checks. The aircraft was deplaned and all passengers were directed to a replacement aircraft. The flight was resumed to ZZZ1 without further incident.
Second reporter narrative
Approximately 5 minutes after takeoff and roughly 2;500 ft AGL we struck a bird that hit just below the windscreen on the FO's position. There were a large amount of remains splattered on the windscreen. I observed what I believed to be a crack on the lower right portion of the outer window. The Captain determined that it would be best to return to station and I fully supported his decision. We contacted ATC and asked for vectors off the SID to evaluate the situation and take the appropriate action. Dispatch was notified; the lead FA was notified and the passengers informed of the situation and our decision to return.We then went through the overweight landing procedure and set up for a landing back at ZZZ. ATC vectored us for a landing on [Runway] XXR back in ZZZ and we landed without incident.Upon arrival back at the gate we were informed that the aircraft required an inspection for the bird strike and overweight landing and would be out of service for at least 2 hours. Our pax deplaned and we were given an other plane for the flight to ZZZ1. We resumed our flight to ZZZ1 without incident.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.