Every time an aeroplane takes off, it’s not just a marvel of engineering; it’s a dance with nature. Amid the advancements in aviation technology, one simple challenge continues to pose significant risks: bird strikes.
More Common Than You Think
Bird strikes are not rare. They are more frequent than many people realize. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, around 14,000 bird strikes are reported in the United States alone each year and, although it does not usually result in a disaster, there is still a potential for severe damage to lives, and aircraft.
For example, consider the “Miracle on the Hudson” in 2009, where a bird strike forced US Airways Flight 1549 to make an emergency landing on the Hudson River. Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s efforts saved all 155 passengers and crew, showing the gravity of bird strikes and the importance of preparedness in the airspace.
Jeju Air Flight disaster, bird strike or something else?
In other cases, too, it could end in a disaster. An example is the recent airplane crash in South Korea. On Sunday morning, December 29, 2024, Jeju Air Flight 7C2216 crashed, resulting in the deaths of 179 passengers, with only 2 crew members surviving out of the 181 passengers on board. Although the crash is still under investigation, a bird strike has not been ruled out as a possible cause.
The disaster occurred at the Muan International Airport, where the flight was returning from Thailand. At 8:54 am, Air Traffic Control gave the flight permission to land, but at 8:57 am they issued a warning about birds in the area. At 8:59 am, one of the pilots reported hitting a bird and issued a mayday distress call, aborting the previous landing, according to Firstpost. The pilot then received permission to land in the opposite direction. The flight changed course mid-air and landed halfway on the runway. During this, the flight failed to deploy its wheels, went off course a few kilometres, and ultimately crashed into a concrete wall, bursting into flames.
But who is to blame apart from the possible bird strike? This disaster involved a Boeing 737-800, raising questions about the deployment issue with the landing gear and concerns about safety with Boeing aircraft.
Why do birds strike and the challenges of mitigating it?
Bird strikes happen mainly because birds and aircraft share the same airspace, especially near airports which often are close to natural habitats. Birds migrate, sometimes in large numbers, passing through flight paths sometimes in search of food. These food sources near airports attract them, and at times weather conditions can disorient them, making them fly at lower altitudes. These shifts can increase the risk of bird strikes.
For example, warmer temperatures may alter migration timings, and expanding urban areas can expand towards natural bird habitats, pushing them closer to airports.
And since birds are unpredictable, their migration patterns can change due to environmental factors like climate change or urban development. Airports, often located near water bodies or green spaces that attract birds, must adapt their bird management strategies.
What is being done to Keep the Skies Safe?
1.Wildlife Management Programs
Many airports have teams dedicated to managing and monitoring bird activity. For instance, at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, wildlife biologists use some techniques to manage bird activity. They modify the habitat to make the area less attractive to birds, deploy noise cannons to scare them away, or even work with trained falcons to deter other birds from the airport vicinity.
2.Bird radar and other advancements
Airports use radar systems that can detect bird movements and provide real-time data to air traffic controllers and in turn, they provide this information to pilots.
3.Predictive Analytic
Airports and aviation authorities collect massive amounts of data on bird activity, flight patterns, and environmental conditions. This data is then analyzed using machine learning algorithms to identify trends and predict where and when bird strikes are most likely to occur.
For example, these algorithms can analyze historical data to detect seasonal patterns in bird migration and activity around specific airports, which are used to modify flight schedules to ensure safer flights and passenger transportation.
Now, while technology like radar systems and predictive analytics can help, they are not foolproof unless there is collaboration between all stakeholders in the airspace and environmentalists.
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