A Flair Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 recently encountered a bird strike shortly after taking off from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). The aircraft struck a flock of geese during its climb, resulting in significant damage to the captain’s windscreen. Thankfully, the incident occurred without injury to the flight crew.
Flight 641, traveling from YYZ to Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG), took off around 13:45 local time. However, just three minutes into the flight, the aircraft reached an altitude of 4,000 feet when it experienced the bird strike. A bird impacted the captain’s side of the windshield, causing glass fragments to scatter into the cockpit.
In response to the emergency, the flight crew issued a “PAN PAN” call, informing Air Traffic Control of the shattered windshield. They explained they were unable to maintain cabin pressure and needed to return to Toronto. With the captain’s visibility compromised, the pilots made a safe landing on runway 33R less than 30 minutes after departure.
This incident underscores the risks associated with bird strikes, even though most do not result in serious damage. A study revealed that only 0.1% of bird strikes are classified as accidents. Despite their frequency, commercial aircraft are built to withstand such impacts, yet they cost the aviation industry millions annually.
The affected aircraft, registration C-FLKO, is a five-year-old 737 MAX 8 that Flair Airlines received in August 2022. After spending a week on the ground in Toronto for repairs, it resumed operations on November 1st. With over 6,000 flight hours logged, this aircraft exemplifies the durability of the Boeing 737 MAX’s design, featuring a three-layer windshield built to handle such challenges.
Flair Airlines continues to prioritize safety and professionalism, ensuring its crew and passengers remain protected during flight operations.
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