Birdstrike leads to A320 freight door mystery

摘要

Portuguese investigators have launched an inquiry after a Airbus A320 cargo door opened in the wake of a severe birdstrike. The SATA International twinjet (CS-TKJ) hit a flock of seagulls after departing Runway 05 at Madeira. "Several birds collided with it, hitting engines, fuselage, wing • and landing gear," Portugal's GPIAA inquiry agency said. The aircraft returned and landed overweight at 68.lt. Controllers told the crew the "forward cargo door was opened", but GPIAA has yet to explain the reason. Initial inspection showed "heavy" impact deformation to fan blades in both CFM International CFM56 engines during the 20 June incident.