A Spirit Airlines
Airbus A320, registration N611NK, was involved in a bird strike incident on Thursday, November 28, 2024, while approaching Nashville Airport
(BNA) from Orlando International Airport
(MCO). The aircraft, operating as Flight NK-297, encountered the bird strike at an altitude of approximately 4,000 feet as it descended toward runway 02R, according to The Aviation Herald.
The Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) reported that the bird strike caused “unspecified damage” to the right wing of the Airbus A320-200. However, the aircraft could safely continue approaching and landing without further incident despite the impact. The flight departed Orlando International Airport (MCO) from Gate 6 at 10:55 local time and landed at Nashville International Airport (BNA) at 11:50 local time, 19 minutes earlier than its scheduled arrival time, data from Flight Aware shows.
Photo: VIAVAL TOURS | Shutterstock
Grounded after bird strike, ferried to Detroit
The Airbus A320
involved in the incident, with registration N611NK, is a 12.9-year-old aircraft that first flew on January 13, 2012. Following the safe landing in Nashville
, N611NK remained at Nashville International Airport more than 24 hours after its arrival and was ferried to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
(DTW) on November 29, 2024. Spirit Airlines hasn’t responded to Simple Flying’s inquiry about the aircraft update.
According to the information on Airfleet.net, the plane is powered by two IAE V2527-A5 engines and has a seating configuration of 8 business class seats and 174 economy seats. Currently, Spirit Airlines operates a fleet of 129 Airbus A320s, including 70 A320 Neos and 59 A320-200s, with an average age of 6.4 years.
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
Similar incident not too long ago
This incident comes just two weeks after a similar bird strike involving another Spirit Airlines aircraft, an Airbus A321, registration N729NK, which occurred on November 14, 2024. Spirit Airlines Flight NK740 was departing Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
(ATL) when it struck a bird shortly after takeoff during the aircraft’s initial climb, according to Aviation Safety Network. While the bird strike caused only minor damage to the radome, the aircraft was grounded for a post-flight inspection. Same as the previous aircraft, Spirit Airlines ferried the aircraft to Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) the following day for inspection.
Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying
A common aviation hazard
This incident highlights the potential risks posed by bird strikes during flight, particularly during critical phases like takeoff and landing. While bird strikes are relatively common in aviation, they rarely result in significant damage or flight delays. According to a recent report by Simple Flying, 97% of bird attacks happen at or close to an airport when an aircraft is landing, taking off, or flying at a low altitude. They have, however, reportedly reached heights of 4,500 meters (15,000 ft). The size, weight, and speed of the bird and the aircraft determine how much damage the bird causes. The likelihood of the aircraft being damaged increases with the bird’s weight and speed.
Related
Bankruptcy Court Clears Spirit Airlines To Sell 5 Out Of 23 Airbus A320s To GA Telesis
Out of the 23 aircraft, Spirit Airlines has already stored 11 at Phoenix Goodyear Airport.
According to the FAA, an average of 47 aircraft strikes are reported daily. Bird Strike Committee USA, an organization that strives to reduce bird and other wildlife hazards to aircraft, documented that three types of birds represent 75 percent of all reported bird strikes: waterfowl (31%), gulls (26%) and raptors (18%).