United Airbus A319 Makes Emergency Return to Newark After Bird Strike Damages Wing
A United Airlines Airbus A319-100, flight UA-2053 from Newark to Dallas Fort Worth, had to make an emergency return shortly after takeoff due to a bird strike on October 24, 2024. The incident occurred as the aircraft, registration N834UA, was climbing out of Newark Liberty International Airport when a bird collided with the left wing at around 9,000 feet. The crew promptly notified air traffic control of the strike, describing a significant dent on the left wing, and requested to level off at 10,000 feet before returning to Newark.
The aircraft safely landed back at Newark’s runway 04R approximately 30 minutes after departure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classified the damage as substantial, noting that the mid-left leading edge slat had sustained a "large dent." As a result, the occurrence was officially designated as an accident. The damaged aircraft remains grounded at Newark for inspections and repairs, about 22 hours post-landing.
Passengers were transferred to a replacement Airbus A319, registration N892UA, which continued to Dallas with a delay of around three hours. Bird strikes, while often harmless, can occasionally lead to significant delays and safety protocols, as evidenced by this incident.