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An A320 experienced a bird strike on climb that resulted in high right engine vibration. The flight crew reduced right engine thrust to idle; declared an emergency; and returned to the departure airport.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 918600 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201011 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1201-1800 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.ARTCC |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Flight Conditions | VMC |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | A320 |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 121 |
| Flight Phase | Initial Climb |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Turbine Engine |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Captain Pilot Flying |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP) |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal |
Narrative:
Bird strike on initial climbout - saw approximately 6-8 geese in just an instant before they appeared to go below the right side of the aircraft nose - I thought we would pass above them. A 'pop' followed by vibration and a high whine followed. N1 vibration indication on number 2 engine went to 9.9. There was no time to react from the time I saw the birds to the time they passed the aircraft. It was very quick. Declared an emergency with ATC and requested return to field. [We were] unable to determine if any other damage occurred - other than the vibration in the number 2 engine. Leveled off and turned back to field - once power reduced - vibration reduced to a 'non-advisory' level (not flashing). QRH for high vibration stated engine could be left running with vibration below advisory limit (non-flashing below 6.0). [We] did not shutdown engine. Advised operations - asked them to call dispatch. Advised flight attendants and made announcement to passengers. [We had a] normal landing with emergency equipment standing by as a precaution. [We] taxied to the gate. At gate arrival [we] determined engine damage [had occurred] to first stage fan blades. No other damage was visible; but not sure if there was another bird strike to any other part of the aircraft. Maintenance said they would inspect - logbook entry made.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: An A320 experienced a bird strike on climb that resulted in high right engine vibration. The flight crew reduced right engine thrust to idle; declared an emergency; and returned to the departure airport.
Narrative: Bird strike on initial climbout - saw approximately 6-8 geese in just an instant before they appeared to go below the right side of the aircraft nose - I thought we would pass above them. A 'pop' followed by vibration and a high whine followed. N1 vibration indication on number 2 engine went to 9.9. There was no time to react from the time I saw the birds to the time they passed the aircraft. It was very quick. Declared an emergency with ATC and requested return to field. [We were] unable to determine if any other damage occurred - other than the vibration in the number 2 engine. Leveled off and turned back to field - once power reduced - vibration reduced to a 'non-advisory' level (not flashing). QRH for high vibration stated engine could be left running with vibration below advisory limit (non-flashing below 6.0). [We] did not shutdown engine. Advised Operations - asked them to call Dispatch. Advised flight attendants and made announcement to passengers. [We had a] normal landing with emergency equipment standing by as a precaution. [We] taxied to the gate. At gate arrival [we] determined engine damage [had occurred] to first stage fan blades. No other damage was visible; but not sure if there was another bird strike to any other part of the aircraft. Maintenance said they would inspect - logbook entry made.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.