On October 24, 2024, a Flair Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 encountered a serious birdstrike incident shortly after taking off from Toronto Pearson Airport. The flight, identified as FLE641 and destined for Winnipeg, experienced the unfortunate event as it ascended over Brampton, just three minutes into the flight. A flock of Canadian Geese impacted the aircraft, with at least one bird smashing into the captain's side of the cockpit windscreen, causing it to shatter.
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The captain, positioned in the left-hand seat of the flight deck, sustained minor injuries when fragments of glass entered the cockpit. Despite the shock and potential danger, the flight crew managed the situation with professionalism. They issued a 'PAN PAN' emergency call, indicating an urgency but not immediate danger, and requested an immediate return to Toronto. The aircraft, unable to continue its journey due to the compromised visibility from the damaged windscreen, safely landed back at the airport on runway 33L approximately 28 minutes after takeoff.
This incident highlights the inherent risks of bird strikes, which, although not uncommon, seldom result in such significant damage. The Boeing 737 MAX 8, registered as C-FLKO, was a relatively new addition to Flair Airlines' fleet, having been delivered in August 2022 and entering service in January 2023. Post-incident, the plane was towed to the gate due to the need for ground crew assistance because of the reduced forward visibility.
The aircraft remained grounded at Toronto-Pearson Airport for over a week following the incident, reflecting the severity of the damage and the necessary safety checks and repairs. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed the bird collision as the cause of the windscreen damage, noting that at least one bird had fully punctured the upper outboard section of the cockpit window. This event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation hazards like bird strikes and the importance of aircraft design that can withstand such incidents to ensure passenger and crew safety. While bird strikes are costly for airlines in terms of damage and delays, this incident underscores the resilience of aircraft structures and the preparedness of flight crews in managing unexpected emergencies.