Deyan Ivanov
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Birds and Airplanes: The Consequences of Collision
Imagine this – you've just spent a whole week soaking up the sights and sounds of the city that never sleeps. You visited Times Square, took a stroll through Central Park, and even saw the Statue of Liberty up close. But now, it's time to head back home. The weather has been dreadful all day, and it's been a bone-chilling nineteen degrees outside. You arrive at the airport a half-hour before your flight, only to find out it's been delayed. Typical, you think to yourself. The airport is packed with frustrated travelers. People argue on the phone and wear discontent on their faces. Finally, it's time to board the plane, and it's completely full. You're stuck in an uncomfortable middle seat. The man next to you emits an unpleasant odor, and there's a crying baby behind you. You steel yourself for the two-hour journey ahead. Trying to tune out the wailing, you pop in your earphones. You even cover them with your hair, hoping to avoid the safety briefing. Everyone's heard it countless times, and they know flying is safer than driving anyway. Ready for some peace, you pray for a nap. You gazed out the window, watching the stunning view of New York City. Music filled your ears, and you felt yourself drift towards sleep. As the plane climbed higher, the skyscrapers became smaller and the Hudson River looked like a little thread. Even a flock of geese flew by. You thought it was strange that you could see birds from such an altitude. Suddenly, smoke and flames erupted from the engine, followed by a loud explosion. The whole plane shook as if it were to fall apart. You had no idea what was happening, but something terrible must have happened to the engine. It couldn't have been the birds, could it? Shockingly, it happened to the passengers of US Airways Flight 1549 in January 2009. Just ninety seconds after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport, the plane encountered a flock of Canada geese. The birds were sucked into the engine, causing what's known as a bird strike.
By Deyan Ivanov3 years ago in FYI
