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November 10, 2011 · Airbus Industrie A320 211 211 · N331NW

Minneapolis, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 10, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (150 uninjured)
Location
Minneapolis, MN
Aircraft
Airbus Industrie A320 211 211 (1992)
Tail Number
N331NW
Operator
Delta Air Lines
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DCA12CA043

On November 10, 2011, at about 1157 central standard time, Delta flight 1691, an A320-211, N331NW, experienced a bird strike during initial climb after departure from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (KMSP), Minneapolis, Minnesota. There were no injuries to the 150 passengers and crewmembers onboard and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was operating as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 regularly scheduled passenger flight from KMSP to Reno–Tahoe International Airport (KRNO), Reno, Nevada. According to the flight crew, a flock of "50-100" large white birds, possibly geese, appeared in front of the airplane during initial climb. The first officer, who was the pilot flying, increased the rate of climb to attempt to avoid the flock, but at least one bird made impacted the aircraft. After striking the bird, the flight crew received an Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor message for loss of cabin pressure and the right side airspeed indication became erratic. The flight crew declared an emergency and made an uneventful landing back at KMSP. Examination of the aircraft after landing revealed substantial damage to the forward pressure bulkhead and minor damage to the right engine.

NTSB Probable Cause

Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Animal(s)/bird(s)-Effect on equipment - C

Full Narrative

On November 10, 2011, at about 1157 central standard time, Delta flight 1691, an A320-211, N331NW, experienced a bird strike during initial climb after departure from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (KMSP), Minneapolis, Minnesota. There were no injuries to the 150 passengers and crewmembers onboard and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was operating as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 regularly scheduled passenger flight from KMSP to Reno–Tahoe International Airport (KRNO), Reno, Nevada. According to the flight crew, a flock of "50-100" large white birds, possibly geese, appeared in front of the airplane during initial climb. The first officer, who was the pilot flying, increased the rate of climb to attempt to avoid the flock, but at least one bird made impacted the aircraft. After striking the bird, the flight crew received an Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitor message for loss of cabin pressure and the right side airspeed indication became erratic. The flight crew declared an emergency and made an uneventful landing back at KMSP. Examination of the aircraft after landing revealed substantial damage to the forward pressure bulkhead and minor damage to the right engine. Photo of bird strike to radome Photo of Bird strike damage to right engine Photo of bird strike damage to E and E bay Photo of bird recovered from E and E bay

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 CST
Nearest AirportMinneapolis-St Paul Intl/Wold- (0nm)
Runway30R
Runway Length8200 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedUnknown
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAirbus Industrie A320 211 211
Tail NumberN331NW
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDelta Air Lines
Operating RulePart 121
Engines2
Engine TypeTurbofan
Engine DetailsCfm Intl. · CFM-56-5A1 · Turbofan · 25000 | Cfm Intl. · CFM-56-5A1/F · Turbofan · 25000
Seats156

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (150 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured150
Total150
Crew 1Age 51 · First Class · None
Crew 2Age 49 · First Class · None
Crew 3None
Crew 4None

Conditions

ConditionsUnknown
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 11 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.04 inHg
Observation Time17:53

Appendix: Source Data