An Allegiant Air Airbus A320 operating scheduled service from Phoenix to Des Moines was forced to make a return to Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport after it experienced multiple birdstrikes after takeoff on January 26.
Allegiant Air flight G4693, an Airbus A320-200 operating from Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) to Des Moines International Airport (DSM) had made its departure off RWY30C when it sustained multiple bird strikes during its initial climb phase after takeoff.
Allegiant Air G4693 Phoenix – Des Moines
The aircraft subsequently terminated the climb and initiated an immediate return to ASA airport where it landed without further incident approximately 15 minutes after initial departure.
The subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed that it had sustained damage to both engines, according to an FAA report on the incident.
Flight data for the January 26 G4693 service to Des Moines shows that the flight made a departure out of AZA at 1553 local time.
The aircraft subsequently terminated its climb at 6000 feet and initiated a wide circuit to return for a precautionary landing on RWY30.
The aircraft conducting the service was an Airbus A320-200 registered N257NV; a five-year-old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the low-cost carrier Allegiant Air.
Birdstrike Prevalence in Arizona
Arizona ranks as one of the top states in the United States for birdstrike encounters, with an average of over 1,300 reported incidents per year. This is due to a number of factors, including:
- Warm climate: Arizona’s warm climate year-round attracts a diverse range of bird species, many of which migrate through the state during the spring and fall seasons.
- Large agricultural areas: Arizona has a significant amount of agricultural land, which provides a plentiful source of food for birds.
- Mountain ranges: The presence of mountain ranges can create air corridors that funnel birds into concentrated areas, increasing the risk of collisions with aircraft.
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