Delta A320 at Minneapolis on Nov 10th 2011, bird strike

Last Update: September 6, 2018 / 19:21:35 GMT/Zulu time

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Incident Facts

Date of incident
Nov 10, 2011

Classification
Accident

Flight number
DL-1691

Aircraft Registration
N331NW

Aircraft Type
Airbus A320

ICAO Type Designator
A320

A Delta Airlines Airbus A320-200, registration N331NW performing flight DL-1691 from Minneapolis,MN to Reno,NV (USA) with 144 passengers and 6 crew, was in the initial climb out of Minneapolis's runway 30R when the crew observed about 50-100 large white birds, the crew attempted to increase the climb to avoid the birds, however, at least one bird impacted the aircraft. The right hand airspeed indication became erratic and the crew received an ECAM message indicating the loss of cabin pressure. The aircraft returned to Minneapolis for a safe landing. There were no injuries, the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

On Aug 11th 2018, almost 7 years after the occurrence, the NTSB released first information stating: "According to the flight crew, a flock of "50-100" large white birds, possibly geese, appeared in front of the airplane during initial climb. The first officer, who was the pilot flying, increased the rate of climb to attempt to avoid the flock, but at least one bird made impacted the aircraft. After striking the bird, the flight crew received an Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor message for loss of cabin pressure and the right side airspeed indication became erratic. The flight crew declared an emergency and made an uneventful landing back at KMSP. Examination of the aircraft after landing revealed substantial damage to the forward pressure bulkhead and minor damage to the right engine."

On Sep 6th 2018 the NTSB released their final report (dated Sep 5th 2018) concluding the probable cause of the accident was:

In-flight collision with birds during initial climb, which resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft.
Aircraft Registration Data
Registration mark
N331NW
Country of Registration
United States
Date of Registration
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TCDS Ident. No.
Manufacturer
AIRBUS INDUSTRIE
Aircraft Model / Type
A320-211
Number of Seats
ICAO Aircraft Type
A320
Year of Manufacture
Serial Number
Aircraft Address / Mode S Code (HEX)
Engine Count
Engine Manufacturer
Engine Model
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Engine Type
Main Owner
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Incident Facts

Date of incident
Nov 10, 2011

Classification
Accident

Flight number
DL-1691

Aircraft Registration
N331NW

Aircraft Type
Airbus A320

ICAO Type Designator
A320

This article is published under license from Avherald.com. © of text by Avherald.com.
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