A United Airlines Airbus A319-100 departing for Dallas Fort Worth, TX made a precautionary return to Newark, NJ after sustaining damage from a bird strike on 24 October 2024.
United Airlines flight UA2053, operated by an Airbus A319-100, had conducted a departure from Newark Liberty International Airport (NWR). The aircraft was conducting a scheduled service to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
United Airlines UA2053 Newark-Dallas
During the climb after takeoff, the aircraft sustained a bird strike to its left-hand wing. Flight crew terminated the climb procedure and requested that they maintain 10,000 feet.
According to the online source Aviation Herald, flight crew reported that they had sustained a “pretty good dent” to the left-hand wing as a result.
The precautionary return to the origin airport was then negotiated in the aircraft landed without further incident on runway 04R Newark Liberty International Airport, approximately 30 minutes after its initial departure.
A subsequent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) report specified the damage sustained. “Aircraft struck bird on departure, and returned to land. A large dent was observed on the mid left leading-edge slat.”
Due to the extent of the airframe damage, the FAA classified the after-takeoff event as an accident. The airline mustered a replacement aircraft to complete the scheduled service to Dallas.
Flight Details
Flight data shows that flight UA2053 departed Newark at 1335 local time on 24 October. After takeoff, flight crew reported the bird strike as the aircraft passed through 9000 feet on climb. The flight then established at 10,000 feet and a direct return to the origin airport was then carried out.
The aircraft conducting the UA2053 rotation to Dallas Fort Worth was an Airbus A319-100, registered N834UA. This is a 23.8-year-old narrowbody aircraft belonging to the carrier United airlines.
It has been an operational service with the airline since its initial delivery from the factory in February 2001.
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