Birdstrike Incident – Airbus A320-232 at Newman Airport, Western Australia – May 14, 2025

Date:
Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Time:
09:22 Local Time

Type of Aircraft:
Airbus A320-232

Owner/Operator:
Qantas

Registration:
VH-UVK

MSN:
2316

Year of Manufacture:
2004

Engine Model:
IAE V2527-A5

Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: 99 (93 passengers, 6 crew)

Other Fatalities:
0

Aircraft Damage:
Minor, repaired

Category:
Incident

Location:
Newman Airport, WA (ZNE/YNWN) – Australia

Phase:
Takeoff

Nature:
Passenger – Scheduled

Departure Airport:
Newman Airport, WA (ZNE/YNWN)

Destination Airport:
Perth Airport, WA (PER/YPPH)

Investigating Agency:
ATSB

Confidence Rating:
Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Circumstances:

On May 14, 2025, Qantas flight QF2971, an Airbus A320-232 (registration VH-UVK), experienced a birdstrike during takeoff from Newman Airport in Western Australia. The aircraft was operating a scheduled passenger flight to Perth with 93 passengers and 6 crew members on board.

As the aircraft reached rotation speed during takeoff, the flight crew observed a large flock of galahs near the windshield and heard multiple impacts on the airframe. Shortly afterward, the crew detected increased vibration and a change in engine pitch from the number 1 engine compared to the number 2 engine. No alerts were displayed on the electronic centralized aircraft monitor (ECAM), and the crew continued the climb to 6,000 feet. During the climb, the crew noted a reduction in high-pitched noise and vibration when climb thrust was reduced. At 6,000 feet, the engine pitch returned to normal.

Suspecting potential engine damage from the birdstrike, the crew decided to return to Newman Airport as a precaution. Passengers, the operator, and air traffic control (ATC) were informed of the change in plans. The crew conducted a briefing and ensured that all necessary actions would be completed by 1,000 feet if any ECAM alerts appeared during the approach. After consultation with ATC, the crew chose not to declare a PAN or request additional emergency services. The aircraft landed safely without further incident.

A post-flight inspection revealed evidence of multiple birdstrikes on the engine cowlings and flaps, but no structural damage to the airframe. The operator’s engineers determined that numerous birds had been ingested into both engines, causing minor damage that required a detailed inspection and subsequent repairs.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) investigated the incident, concluding that the birdstrike caused no significant risk to the aircraft or occupants. The event highlighted the importance of crew vigilance and adherence to standard operating procedures during unexpected events.