Virgin strikes flying rabbit
Bird strikes on aircraft are not uncommon, although they fortunately seldom result in such drama as the January 2009 US Airways flight 1549 that ended up in the Hudson River after running down a flock of geese.
But a Brisbane-bound Virgin Australia B737 last month also suffered an unusual strike, hitting both an eagle … and a rabbit.
There was the rabbit, minding its own business near Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport, plane spotting while dining on grass and thinking bunny thoughts, before its morning peace was shattered by a passing wedge-tailed eagle.
While the friendly neighbourhood raptor thought it was a job well done, having just secured brunch for itself and family, things were about to end on a bad note for all concerned. Unsuspected by the eagle or its hapless cargo, flight VA319 was climbing out on its way to Brisbane.
The pilot reported sudden vibrations in the left-hand engine and requested a return to Melbourne. After landing, inspection of the offending engine revealed the late eagle with the rabbit still in its claws. The flight was then cancelled.
“We can confirm that Virgin Australia flight VA319 from Melbourne to Brisbane was affected by a bird strike. Upon suspecting a bird strike, the pilot decided to return to Melbourne and the aircraft landed safely,” said Virgin Australia.
It added in airlinespeak, “The safety of our guests and crew is always our highest priority and we apologise for any inconvenience caused by this matter.”
The wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax) is found throughout Australia. The larger female can weigh as much as 5.5kg with a wingspan averaging more than 2.5m, while a typical European rabbit payload would add around 2kg. The Canada goose of flight 1549 fame can weigh up to 6.5kg unladen but is smaller with 1.8m wingspan.
- Report by John King.
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