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When a chicken is launched at key aircraft parts, high-speed cameras capture the impact to help engineers assess damage to engine blades, windshield, or wings
This test is conducted to assess the real-world durability of an aircraft’s windshield and engine. (Representative/News18 Telugu)
The London-bound Air India flight that crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport, killing all but one of the 242 people on board, was initially suspected to have been brought down by a bird strike. However, the preliminary investigation report accessed by CNN-News18 reveals that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has ruled out this possibility, as no bird carcasses were found during the inspection.
To safeguard against the risks posed by bird strikes—collisions between birds and aircraft that typically occur during takeoff, landing, or low-altitude flight—aviation authorities and airlines have developed stringent safety protocols.
At speeds of around 350 kilometers per hour, even a small object can pose a serious threat to an aircraft. Bird strikes, in particular, can have dangerous consequences. In many cases, a bird hitting the cockpit area can crack or shatter the windshield, potentially injuring the pilot. If a bird is sucked into the engine, it can damage the turbine blades, cause a fire, or lead to complete engine failure—raising the risk of a crash within seconds.
Airlines around the world rigorously test the strength and resilience of their aircraft during the cerification process to ensure safety in the event of a bird strike. As part of these tests, dead chickens are fired into engines and other key components to simulate bird collisions and assess how the aircraft would respond during actual flight conditions.
Before a plane is cleared for flight, engineers test its resistance to bird strikes by firing dead chickens into critical components like the engine, windshield, and wings. While it may sound unusual, this is a scientifically approved method. A special device known as a “chicken gun”—a powerful air cannon—is used to simulate the impact of a bird strike at high speeds, helping ensure the aircraft can withstand such collisions during actual flight.
This test is conducted to assess the real-world durability of an aircraft’s windshield and engine. Typically performed in a controlled laboratory setting, engineers fire a dead chicken at high speed and record the impact using high-speed cameras.
The footage is then analysed to study the extent of the damage. Real chickens are used because their weight and shape closely resemble those of birds commonly encountered during flight. Today, this method is widely adopted by major aircraft manufacturers around the world.
Before a plane is cleared for flight, it undergoes this special procedure known as a ‘bird strike test’. In this test, key components like the engine, cockpit windshield, and wings are mounted on a rigid frame. Based on the test requirements, an appropriate object—typically a dead bird—is then selected to simulate the impact and assess the component’s resilience.
A dead chicken, a synthetic bird, or a gelatin-based ball is typically used for this test. Most often, a real chicken is launched. A special air gun or cannon-like device is set up to propel the object at speeds matching those of an aircraft—around 300 to 500 kilometers per hour.
Possible Damage During Bird Strike Testing
When a chicken is launched at a critical part of the aircraft, every moment is captured using a high-speed camera. Engineers and technicians closely examine the footage to assess the extent and location of the damage—whether engine blades are broken, the windshield is cracked, or the wings are affected. If no major damage is found, the aircraft is deemed fit to fly. Engine testing is also conducted under various simulated conditions to ensure safety and reliability.
Engine testing conditions vary, but international safety standards require that even if a chicken is ingested, the engine must run at 75% thrust for at least 2 minutes—enough time for an emergency landing. No aircraft is cleared to fly without passing this test.
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