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.

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. He also serves as the Chief-in-Editor of the platform’s website, where he shares his passion for aviation and provides valuable resources for aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike. His love for aviation and entrepreneurial spirit drive him to create innovative solutions, making Aviation for Aviators a unique resource in the aviation sector.

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