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Allegiant Air flight returns safely after bird strike shortly after takeoff

Allegiant Air flight returns safely after bird strike shortly after takeoff
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Allegiant Air | Official Website

On Tuesday, March 11th, 2025, Allegiant Air Flight 1536, an Airbus A320-200 aircraft bearing registration N253NV bound for Flint Bishop Airport (FNT) in Michigan, suffered a bird strike shortly after takeoff. As a result of the incident, the plane was forced to return to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) in Florida. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident, according to reports from Florida-based local news outlet FOX 13.

The flight, which was carrying 182 people, took off at 11:57 AM from PIE's Runway 36 before landing safely at approximately 12:15 PM, about 18 minutes after departure from the airport, according to The Aviation Herald. Although the crew did not declare an official emergency, they acted with an abundance of caution to ensure passenger safety by choosing to return to the airport so that the plane could undergo an investigation.

As is typically the case with these kinds of bird strike incidents, flight-critical components may not have been fully damaged as a result of the incident, but inspections and rigorous testing remain the best path forward. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced that it will be conducting an investigation on the incident, something which it has referred to as routine.

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A deeper look at exactly what happened

As previously mentioned, the incident took place shortly after takeoff and airport operational management teams found the bird's remains shortly after near Taxiway A4. The pilots decided to return to the airport out of an abundance of caution but needed time to burn an appropriate amount of fuel for a safe landing. The aircraft leveled off at around 3,000 feet before entering a left-hand downwind pattern for Runway 36. After this maneuvering process, which allowed them time and space necessary for safety protocols during such situations; they landed safely at approximately12:15 PM - roughly eighteen minutes post-departure.

No injuries were reported following this event; all passengers deplaned normally once taxied back into gate position securely without any further ado- ensuring everyone's well-being remained intact throughout proceedings despite unforeseen circumstances encountered mid-flight initially causing concern among those onboard alike crew members responsible handling matters diligently under pressure exhibiting professionalism expected industry standards consistently- reassuring public confidence air travel overall remains high priority always! Allegiant Air dispatched replacement aircraft departing around one-fifteen p.m. allowing passengers continue journey Flint uninterrupted ultimately reaching destination intended albeit slight delay incurred necessarily ensuring maximal precautionary measures adhered maintaining highest possible levels security/ comfort all times flying commercial airlines today!

In statement released thereafter regarding said occurrence FAA commented: "Allegiant Air Flight fifteen-thirty-six returned safely St.Pete-Clearwater International Airport Florida around twelve-fifteen local time Tuesday March eleventh following crew report potential bird-strike Airbus A-three-twenty was headed Bishop International Flint Michigan Investigation follow routinely scheduled ensure thorough assessment undertaken relevant parties involved ascertain exact details surrounding events transpired accordingly"

The affected aircraft remained grounded least six hours subsequent landing as- airline officials technical experts conducted comprehensive inspections/ maintenance checks necessary verify integrity systems potentially compromised; highlighting inherent risks associated operations aviation sector particularly instances involving wildlife interactions airspace shared environments globally posing challenges continuous evolving field research development aimed mitigating impacts minimizing likelihood occurrences future safeguarding lives property alike endeavors pursued tirelessly commitment unwavering excellence service provision transportation industry whole benefiting society large scale long term vision!

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