Flair Airlines 737 Captain Injured as Birdstrike Shatters Cockpit Window

On October 24, 2024, a Flair Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 suffered a serious birdstrike shortly after takeoff from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ). This incident, involving flight F8641 destined for Winnipeg-Richardson International Airport (YWG), resulted in minor injuries to the aircraft’s captain and required an emergency return to Toronto.

❗❗❗24-OCT-2024❗❗❗
PILOTS are BLIND. The windshield is shattered after bird strike at Toronto Airport. Real ATC
Full video: https://t.co/T05adJNNbm pic.twitter.com/3IDe1BtHaL
— YOU CAN SEE ATC (@RealATCComms) October 30, 2024

Flight F8641, scheduled for a two-hour and 15-minute journey to Winnipeg, departed from runway 33L at Toronto at 13:43 local time. As the aircraft ascended to an altitude of approximately 1,220 meters (4,000 feet), it encountered a flock of Canadian Geese about three minutes into the flight while flying over Brampton. The impact shattered the port-side front windscreen panel, puncturing the upper outboard section and causing fragments to enter the cockpit. These fragments led to minor injuries for the captain seated on the left side of the flight deck.

In response to Flair Airlines Birdstrike, the crew immediately issued a ‘PAN PAN’ distress call, signaling an urgent but non-life-threatening situation. They requested a prompt return to Toronto Pearson. The aircraft then executed a left-hand downwind circuit of the airfield, landing safely back on runway 33L at 14:11—about 28 minutes after takeoff.

Following the safe landing, ground crews towed the damaged aircraft to the gate due to reduced visibility from the shattered windscreen. The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) of Canada later confirmed that at least one bird had collided with the windscreen, causing the significant damage that injured the captain.

The aircraft involved, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 registered as C-FLKO, is a relatively new addition to Flair Airlines’ fleet. Delivered in August 2022 and leased through 777 Partners, the aircraft is configured in an all-economy layout with a capacity for 189 passengers. As of the latest reports, the aircraft remains grounded at Toronto-Pearson Airport, its status officially listed as ‘stored.’

Youssef Yahya

Youssef Yahya is the CEO and Founder of Aviation for Aviators, a platform dedicated to the aviation industry. With over 3 years of experience as an aviation writer, Youssef is passionate about sharing his insights on aviation, entrepreneurship, and the broader business landscape. As a Teaching Assistant in Entrepreneurship at Nile University, he also nurtures the next generation of entrepreneurs. When he’s not exploring the skies or business ventures, you can find him saying, ‘Drag your coffee, and let’s talk aviation, entrepreneurship, and football.’