Bird Strike Forces American Airlines Airbus A319 to Abort Landing in Washington DC

By Ivan PetrenkoNov 11, 2024 08:34 AMNews
Share:
Dawn at Laguardia Airport
Dawn at Laguardia Airport. Source: unsplash

An American Airlines Airbus A319, operating flight AA1539 from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), declared a mayday and diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) following a bird strike on final approach. The incident occurred on October 31, 2024, when the aircraft experienced engine failure, prompting the pilots to abort the landing and prioritize passenger safety.

Incident Details

The flight, carrying 94 passengers and crew, departed Boston at 07:29, slightly behind schedule, and climbed to a cruising altitude of 32,000 feet. As it descended over the Potomac River for an approach to DCA's runway 19, the aircraft reportedly encountered a bird strike at approximately 300 feet. This led to an engine failure, forcing the crew to initiate a go-around and declare an emergency.

The pilots safely diverted to Washington Dulles, landing on runway 19L around 20 minutes later at 08:40. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The affected Airbus A319, registered as N814AW, remained grounded at Dulles for nearly a week for inspection and maintenance before returning to service on November 6.

Aircraft History and Technical Details

The Airbus A319-132, serial number 1281, has been in operation for over 24 years, first flying in July 2000. Initially delivered to America West Airlines, it joined US Airways following a merger in 2005 and later became part of American Airlines’ fleet in 2015 after another merger. The aircraft features eight first-class seats and 120 economy-class seats and is powered by two IAE V2524-A engines.

FAA Investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the bird strike, confirming in a statement that the aircraft landed safely at Dulles following the incident. This marks the sixth bird strike incident reported in recent months, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by wildlife interactions in aviation.

Broader Context of Bird Strikes

Bird strikes, while relatively rare, can have serious implications for flight safety, often causing engine damage or other mechanical failures. The recent Delta Air Lines incident, involving a bird strike during takeoff from San Jose, underscores the persistent risk wildlife poses to aviation operations.

American Airlines’ swift response in handling the incident and ensuring passenger safety demonstrates the effectiveness of modern aviation protocols in managing such emergencies.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM