real_aurgathor Engines are designed to ’tolerate a certain amount of birds – so it’s either have to be a reasonably big bird, or multiple birds need to be ingested for the engine to stop working, and possibly damaged. If the engine stops working, there is usually some kind of visible sign, though that is not always the case.
From Google AI Overview:
Bird strikes are a serious concern for aviation, as collisions with aircraft engines can cause significant damage and even lead to engine failure. While bird strikes can occur with any aircraft, they are particularly concerning for jet engines due to their high speed and the large volume of air they ingest.
Here’s a breakdown of the issues:
Engine Vulnerability:
Jet engines, especially during takeoff and landing, operate at high speeds, making them highly susceptible to bird ingestion. The rotating fan blades within the engine can be damaged or even dislodged upon impact, potentially leading to a cascade of failures.
Bird Size and Speed:
The impact force of a bird strike increases with the square of the relative speed between the bird and the aircraft. Larger birds pose a greater risk, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defining large birds as those weighing four pounds or more.
Consequences of Bird Strikes:
Bird strikes can cause damage to engine components, potentially leading to engine shutdown, or even catastrophic failure. While the majority of bird strikes do not result in severe damage, the potential for serious consequences necessitates ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk.
Rising Threat:
Bird strikes are increasing due to factors like increased air traffic, the prevalence of quieter turbofan engines (which may give birds less warning), and the rising populations of certain bird species, especially large birds like geese.
Examples:
The “Miracle on the Hudson” involved a bird strike that disabled both engines, but the pilot was able to land the plane safely in the river.