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Collision with bird forces air force jet down

A collision between a Hellenic Air Force Phantom II RF-4F and a bird, in flight, resulted in flight problems for the aircraft that had to land immediately.

 

The collision caused flight instability, despite the fact that damage to the aircraft was limited. The two pilots following prescribed emergency procedures landed the aircraft, safely, at Kalamata air base.

So far HAF general staff has not issued announcement, but sources within HAF say the damage is minor.

Collisions between aircraft and birds are not a rare phenomenon, with more serious consequences if the hapless bird gets sucked into the engine inlets.

In 2010, an HAF A-7 Corsair II belonging to 336 Squadron hit a bird that broke the canopy and struck the pilot in the face. The picture is from that collision.