Data-Driven Analysis of Engine-Related Wildlife Strikes in Multi-Engine Jet Aircraft (2009–2023)

Abstract

Wildlife strikes remain a persistent hazard to aviation safety, with engine ingestions representing a particularly serious threat to aircraft performance and operational integrity. This study analyzes 13,467 wildlife strikes involving aircraft engines reported in the FAA National Wildlife Strike Database (2009-2023) to identify patterns and operational factors influencing the frequency and severity of engine strikes in multi-engine civil jet aircraft. Building upon Dolbeer’s (2017) findings, preliminary results indicate a modest left-side predominance, with 4,112 strikes (52.9%) recorded on left-side engines and 3,659 strikes (47.1%) on right-side engines. A total of 2,266 strikes (16.8%) resulted in engine damage, most frequently during the takeoff, climb, and approach phases of flight. Nearly 47% of all engine strikes occurred below 1,000 feet AGL, underscoring the near-ground nature of these events. Although small-bodied species accounted for most engine strikes (N = 8,757; 64.1%), large-bodied species, representing only 7.1% of events, produced the highest proportion of damaging engine strikes (61.6%). These results demonstrate a clear relationship between animal size, impact energy, and engine vulnerability. Collectively, the findings confirm that engine strikes remain predominantly a low-altitude, airport-environment hazard, reinforcing the need for species-specific mitigation strategies, enhanced habitat management, and data-driven Safety Management System initiatives to improve wildlife-hazard risk assessment and operational resilience across the aviation industry.