Aircraft Collisions with Birds (Orders Falconiformes and Accipitriformes)

Abstract

Statistical data on aircraft collisions with birds of prey (Falconiformes and Accipitriformes) are analyzed. The basis of the analysis was the results of study at the Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences (IPEE RAS). The reasons and factors attracting birds of prey to airfields are considered. In the period from 2005 to 2022, seven species of birds of prey involved in 29 collisions with aircraft were identified. The largest number of birdstrikes occur with the Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus and the common buzzard Common Buzzard Buteo buteo. Most collisions occur at the airport or in its vicinity; strikes occur 4.3 times more often during take-off than during landing. Primarily the engine or wing structure is damaged by collisions with raptor birds. Recommendations are given to control bird behavior to minimize strikes with birds of prey at the airfield.