Kathmandu. Last week, an Air India flight crashed shortly after taking off from Ahmedabad airport. The plane was on its way to London. Only one of the 242 people on board survived the crash. Thirty-four people living in residential buildings were also killed when the plane crashed.
The plane was initially suspected to have crashed after being hit by a bird. However, according to the preliminary investigation report, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of India has ruled out this possibility. No bird remains have been found in the investigation.
Bird hitting at the airport fatal
Bird strikes are the events of bird bites while taking off or landing from the airport. The risk of being hit by birds is highest when taking off or landing or flying at low altitudes. To avoid this, aviation authorities and airlines have made many safety rules.
Even smallest things are lethal
If a small thing hits a plane flying at a speed of about 350 kilometers per hour, it can be dangerous. Bird crashes can have serious consequences. Sometimes the windshield can burst when the bird hits the cockpit. This can hurt the pilot. If the bird gets into the engine, it can damage the turbine blades. It can cause a fire or the engine can be completely damaged. In such a situation, the plane may crash in a few seconds.
Test from dead chickens
Airlines around the world test the strength of aircraft before their certification. This test is done to ensure safety in the event of a bird hit. During these tests, dead chickens are hit on the engine and other vital parts to see how the aircraft will behave in such a situation. It may seem strange. However, this is a scientifically accepted method. This test uses a special device called ‘chicken gun’. It’s a powerful air canon. It is used to simulate the impact of bird collisions at high speeds. This helps ensure that the aircraft can withstand such collisions during the actual flight.
What was detected?
This test is done to evaluate the windshield of the aircraft and the real-world strength of the engine. Usually this test is done in a controlled laboratory. Engineers hit dead chickens at high speeds and record the impact with high-speed cameras. The footage is then analysed. This reveals the extent of damage. Real chickens are used in this test because their weight and size are similar to the birds that hit the plane during the flight. Today this method is widely adopted by major aircraft manufacturers around the world.
Bird Strike test required
This particular procedure is performed before the aircraft is approved for flight. Which is called ‘bird strike’ test. In this test, important parts such as the engine, cockpit windshield and wings are mounted in a hard frame. The appropriate object is selected depending on the requirements of the test. This object is usually a dead bird. It is used to simulate the effect and evaluate the flexibility of the component. This test usually involves a dead male, a synthetic bird, or a gelatin-based force. In most cases, a dead male is used.
Special air gun or cannon-like equipment has been installed. This device moves the object at the same speed as the speed of the aircraft. This speed is about 300 to 500 kilometers per hour.
What is the criteria?
The conditions of engine testing vary. However, according to international safety standards, even if a bird enters the engine, the engine must run at 75 percent thrust for at least two minutes. This time is enough for an emergency landing. No aircraft is allowed to fly without passing this test.
