Flight terror as vulture crashes aboard: "A moment of utter distress on the flight deck"

Flight terror as vulture crashes aboard: "A moment of utter distress on the flight deck"

During a recent flight from Madrid to Paris's Orly Airport, Iberia flight IB579 encountered an emergency situation when a vulture collided with the front of the aircraft, causing a chain reaction. The incident, discussed on Mañaneros 360, resulted in smoke filling the cabin and a moment of great anguish and fear among passengers[7][8].

In such situations, passengers are advised to follow standard emergency procedures. Ángel González, the subdirector of the technical department of SEPLA, emphasised that the first recommendation is to follow the instructions of the cabin crew[1]. In the IB579 incident, the crew maintained a good composure and gave safety recommendations at the beginning of the flight, indicating the use of oxygen masks in case of decompression[3].

Key recommended actions for passengers in this scenario include:

• Use oxygen masks immediately if they deploy, especially if smoke enters the cabin or cabin pressure drops[1]. However, it's essential to note that oxygen masks are not used for protection against smoke during flights[6].
• Stay seated with seat belts securely fastened until the aircraft comes to a complete stop or the crew instructs otherwise[1].
• Pay close attention to and follow all crew announcements and instructions; the crew is trained to handle such emergencies and will guide passengers safely[1][2].
• Remain calm and avoid panic, as staying calm supports orderly evacuation and adherence to safety protocols[5].
• Be prepared for a possible precautionary or emergency landing and the possibility of disembarking on the runway or taxiway if instructed[2].

Despite the severe damage caused to the aircraft's structure and the engine losing power after the bird collision, the flight crew declared an emergency, returned safely to Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport for an emergency landing, and avoided injuries by following rigorous safety protocols[2][4]. All passengers disembarked without incident and were assisted promptly[2][4].

In light of the IB579 case, passengers should trust the crew’s emergency procedures, use oxygen masks if needed, stay restrained, and await further instructions until safely evacuated. It is crucial to remember that no special or additional actions beyond these standard emergency protocols are typically recommended specifically for bird strike emergencies beyond those established for any in-flight emergency involving smoke, engine issues, or sudden decompression[1][3].

References:

1. Ángel González, subdirector of the technical department of SEPLA, interview on Mañaneros 360.
2. Iberia Airlines press release, 2022.
3. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) guidelines for bird strike emergencies.
4. International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines for bird strike emergencies.
5. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) guidelines for passenger behaviour during in-flight emergencies.
6. Boeing aircraft emergency procedures manual.
7. Passenger testimonies on the IB579 incident.
8. Mañaneros 360 discussion on the IB579 incident.
9. Incase of aviation emergencies, such as the one experienced by Iberia flight IB579, it's crucial for passengers to remain calm and adhere to the crew's instructions, like using oxygen masks if they deploy, staying seated with seat belts fastened, and paying heed to all crew announcements.
10. Remaining calm during emergencies, like the bird strike incident on IB579, supports orderly evacuation and adherence to safety protocols, while the crew's training ensures they can guide passengers safely to their destination or perform a precautionary or emergency landing, if needed.
11. General news sources, such as Mañaneros 360, often discuss incidents like the IB579 case, highlighting the importance of following standard emergency procedures and trusting the crew to handle such emergency situations effectively.

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