Bird strikes are collisions between birds and aircraft. They can cause serious damage to planes and even result in crashes. Understanding where bird strikes are most likely to occur can help improve aviation safety. This article will examine the regions and airports where bird strikes happen most frequently.
What is a bird strike?
A bird strike refers to a collision between a bird and an aircraft. The bird is usually struck by the engine, but can hit other parts of the plane such as the wings, cockpit, or nose. Bird strikes can damage aircraft components, cause engine failure, and even hole the fuselage.
While most bird strikes do not cause catastrophes, they present a serious aviation safety risk. Collisions between planes and birds have resulted in over 250 deaths worldwide since 1988. Preventing bird strikes remains an important priority for the aviation industry.
What types of birds cause the most problems?
Geese, gulls, raptors, and waterfowl cause the majority of dangerous strikes. These large bird species can destroy engines when sucked into turbofans. For example, birds like the Canada Goose weigh 6-14 pounds. At aircraft speeds, they pack enormous destructive force.
Small birds rarely cause damage. While swallows and sparrows are struck regularly, they seldom impair flights or endanger passengers. However, even small birds have caused emergency landings when sucked into engines by the dozen.
Regions with the Most Bird Strikes
Certain regions see more bird strike activity than others. Geographic location and migration patterns determine where flocks congregate. The following regions experience the highest numbers of reported bird strikes globally:
North America
North America registers the most bird strikes of any region. The U.S. and Canada rank first and second worldwide in total collisions annually. Experts estimate that U.S civil and military aircraft sustain between 40,000 to 80,000 bird strikes per year.
Several factors contribute to North America’s high rates:
– Extensive air traffic network – The U.S. possesses the busiest airspace globally with over 87,000 flights per day. More takeoffs and landings equals greater bird strike risk.
– Large bird populations – North America hosts billions of birds that migrate across the continent biannually. Major flyways crisscross airports.
– Reporting standards – U.S. regulations require detailed strike reports. Other areas likely underreport statistics.
– Airport locations – Many airports lie on coasts and migration routes. New York’s JFK faces frequent strikes due to its coastal marsh placement.
Europe
After North America, Europe experiences more collisions with birds than any other region. Strikes occur most often during seasonal migration between Europe and Africa. Airports in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy tally the highest numbers of bird strike reports on the continent.
Asia
The International Civil Aviation Organization found over 12,000 strikes were reported across 10 Asian countries between 2008-2014. India and Turkey registered the most incidents, followed by Russia and Iran. Experts believe Asia’s true number of collisions exceeds figures as strike reporting remains spotty.
Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa contends with high bird strike rates connected to the East African Flyway. This aerial route sees over 2 billion birds annually migrating between Europe and Africa. Airlines have expressed concerns regarding bird strike risks, especially across Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
Australia
Qantas, the flag carrier of Australia, reports hitting over 550 birds per year. Airports located along the country’s coastline log frequent collisions. Melbourne Airport endures the most strikes as it sits on a wetlands habitat.
Airports with the Most Bird Strikes
Examining airports by reported bird strikes offers further insight into risk patterns. The following airports rank highest for total bird collisions from 2009-2019 according to FAA data:
Airport | Total Bird Strikes 2009-2019 |
---|---|
John F. Kennedy Intl (New York) | 1,285 |
Los Angeles Intl | 803 |
Denver Intl | 636 |
Portland Intl (Oregon) | 583 |
Chicago O’Hare | 544 |
JFK International Airport
JFK Airport notches the most bird strikes annually. Its location next to Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge guarantees plenty of bird traffic. The airport employs wildlife management teams and habitat mitigation efforts to reduce collisions.
Los Angeles International
LAX comes second for total strikes. Its proximity to large bodies of water and parks creates collision risks. Gulls and waterfowl are the most commonly struck species.
Denver International
Denver International Airport borders open prairie lands that serve as habitat for birds and wildlife. The airfield’s drainage system and detention ponds also attract birds. Denver International deploys sound cannons, chemical repellents, and falconry to discourage animals.
Portland International Airport
Portland International resides along the Pacific Flyway, a major migration route. The airport also lies next to the Columbia River, used by geese, gulls, ducks, and raptors. Wildlife exclusion tactics are used to keep animals clear of aircraft.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport
Chicago O’Hare confronts bird strike challenges because of its location between the Mississippi and Atlantic flyways. Nearby marshes and Lake Michigan provide habitat for many birds. Chicago uses pyrotechnics, trapping, grass management, and repellents to scare wildlife.
When Do Most Bird Strikes Occur?
Bird strikes follow seasonal patterns as birds migrate and flock at different times annually. Over half of collisions take place between July and October in the U.S. This correlates with the autumn migration south. Strikes peak in April and October as birds journey north and south respectively.
Spring Migration
April sees the most collisions as birds fly north to breeding grounds. Departures climb rapidly starting in March, peaking in April, and remaining elevated through May. Common struck species include gulls, terns, herons, egrets, and waterfowl.
Fall Migration
October registers the second highest number of strikes as birds head south for winter. Southbound migration starts slowly in August, crests in October, and dwindles through November. Canada Geese are the most hazardous birds during autumn movements.
Winter Months
December-February show lower collision rates as migration ends. However, strikes still occur as resident birds join large winter flocks. Retreating water lines also concentrate birds closer to airports located near coasts.
Summer Months
June-August have fewer recorded strikes overall. But summertime weather poses other flight risks like aircraft overheating and dense fog. Collisions with gulls rise as breeding season peaks.
Factors That Influence Bird Strike Risks
Beyond location and seasonal patterns, several other factors help predict bird strike probabilities:
Flight Altitude
Most collisions take place under 3,000 feet during takeoff and landing. Over 90% of strikes happen below 1,000 feet as aircraft climb or descend through the airspace used by many birds.
Flight Speed
Faster aircraft speeds correlate to greater bird strike damage. Small birds inflict more harm to jet engines than propeller-driven planes. Newer widebody jets face some of the highest risks.
Time of Day
Early mornings around sunrise and evenings near sunset have higher bird strike chances. Birds become more active departing roosts and returning to them. Low light conditions also make spotting and avoiding birds more difficult.
Topography
Airports surrounded by flat open land have fewer strikes than those next to hills, mountains, coasts, or water crossings. Terrain can funnel birds towards runways and flight paths during migration.
Food Sources
Abundant food draws more birds. Airports near landfills, fish processing plants, crop fields, and bodies of water see elevated bird attraction. Garbage collection and standing water invite problematic species like gulls, pigeons, and waterfowl.
Weather
Storm fronts, rain, fog, and winds can all influence bird behavior and strike risks. Gusty north winds aid autumn migrations for example. Headwinds also lead to more abortive takeoff attempts, increasing exposure below 350 feet.
Conclusion
Bird strikes present an ongoing challenge to aviation safety that requires diligent management and research. Collisions occur most often in North America and Europe. Airports located along migratory flyways or coastlines log higher numbers annually. Strikes peak during the spring and fall as birds journey between breeding and wintering grounds.
Reducing strikes will depend on continued study of bird movements and populations. With informed prevention efforts, air travel can operate smoothly alongside necessary environmental conservation. Through collaboration across airlines, regulators, and ecologists, the hazards of bird strikes can be better controlled.