JetBlue 571 Birdstrike @KHPN

This recording captures a textbook response to a bird strike incident involving a commercial airliner. JetBlue Flight 571, an Airbus A320, was departing Runway 16 at Westchester County Airport (KHPN) when it encountered two large geese. Bird strikes are a significant hazard in aviation, particularly during the takeoff and landing phases when the aircraft is low to the ground and engines are at high power settings. Large birds like geese can cause catastrophic engine damage or structural failure.

The communication is notable for its professional and calm tone. When the controller instructs the flight to contact New York Departure, the pilot interjects with, "we’ve got to come back. We hit two big geese." This immediate communication of the problem allowed the controller to prioritize the aircraft and clear the arrival corridor for their return. The controller proactively asks if the crew wishes to declare an emergency, which the pilot confirms, granting them priority handling and ensuring emergency services are on standby.

Technically, the crew had to manage an "overweight landing" scenario. Since the aircraft had just taken off, it was likely above its maximum landing weight. This requires specific checklists to ensure the landing gear and brakes can handle the extra energy. The transcript shows the pilot requesting a moment for checklists while the controller manages other traffic, including "Solutions 535," which was told to cancel its approach to make room for the emergency.

The event concludes with Airport Operations ("Airport 11") performing a runway sweep. This is standard procedure after a bird strike to clear any debris or remains that could pose a Foreign Object Debris (FOD) hazard to subsequent aircraft. The controller’s final remark, "nice to have you back," highlights the relief and successful resolution of the high-stakes situation.