A320, en route, southeast of Omaha USA, 2022

A320, en route, southeast of Omaha USA, 2022

Summary

On 19 November 2022, an Airbus A320 was descending below 13,000 feet towards its destination of Omaha, clear of clouds at night and at 290 knots, when an explosive decompression occurred as a result of bird strike damage. An emergency was declared, and once on the ground, three locations where the fuselage skin had been broken open were discovered. The structural damage was assessed as substantial, and the aircraft was withdrawn from service for major repairs. The birds involved were identified by DNA analysis as migrating Snow or Ross’s Geese, the former of which can weigh up to 2.6kg.

Description

On 19 November 2022 an Airbus A320 (N330NW) being operated by Delta Airlines on a scheduled domestic passenger flight from Atlanta to Omaha as DL2295 was descending through 13,000 feet when it struck several large birds, and a sudden depressurisation occurred. An emergency was declared, and the flight was completed to the intended destination without further event. After landing, an external inspection of the aircraft was made before taxiing to the gate. The safety of the flight was not compromised, but substantial structural damage was caused to the airframe. 

Investigation

An Accident Investigation was carried out by the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). The 60-year-old captain had a total of 16,335 hours flying experience, of which 1,779 hours were on type, and the 37-year-old first officer, who was acting as PF had a total of 660 hours flying experience, of which 316 hours were on type.

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