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Date:
Saturday 20 December 2025
Time:
c. 07:25 LT
Type of Aircraft:
Embraer ERJ 190-100 LR (ERJ-190LR) (Silhouette image of generic E190 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different)
Owner/Operator:
Alliance Airlines, leased to Airnorth
Registration:
VH-XFC
MSN:
19000435
Year of Manufacture:
2011
Engine Model:
General Electric Company CF34-10E5A1
Fatalities:
0 / Occupants: Not specified
Other Fatalities:
0
Aircraft Damage:
Unknown
Category:
Incident
Location:
Darwin International Airport, NT (DRW/YPDN) – Australia
Phase:
Initial climb
Nature:
Passenger – Scheduled
Departure Airport:
Darwin International Airport, NT (DRW/YPDN)
Destination Airport:
Gove-Nhulunbuy Airport, NT (GOV/YPGV)
Investigating Agency:
ATSB
Confidence Rating:
Information is only available from news, social media or unofficial sources
Circumstances:
Airnorth flight ANO160 departed Darwin International Airport on a scheduled passenger service to Gove-Nhulunbuy. Shortly after take-off, while in the initial climb phase, the Embraer ERJ-190 struck a bird.
Following the bird strike, the flight crew assessed the situation and elected to discontinue the flight. The aircraft returned to Darwin, where it landed without further incident.
No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. Details regarding the extent of any aircraft damage were not publicly confirmed at the time of reporting. The ATSB was notified of the occurrence.
Sources:
https://www.ntnews.com.au/news/airnorth-flight-forced-to-turn-around-after-striking-bird-trouble-midair/news-story/f3a67aa520541464fa319119bdd142e5
https://www.flightaware.com/live/flight/VHXFC/history/20251219/2200Z/YPDN/YPDN
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11932619
Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving light aircraft, helicopters, charter flights, balloons, commuter aircraft and airlines throughout Australia and overseas to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for pilots, passengers, operators, aircraft owners and aviation employees worldwide. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of aircraft accident compensation claims.