2015 was a record year for bird strike incidents at Taiwan’s airports. That’s according to new figures from the Flight Safety Foundation- Taiwan.
Airports recorded 226 bird strike incidents last year. 14 caused damage to the aircraft involved. That’s compared with 145 incidents in 2014 and 110 incidents in 2013. In 2013, only one aircraft was damaged after colliding with birds.
The largest of number of incidents last year happened at Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan’s chief international gateway. The sharp increase in bird strikes last year coincided with a record year for international tourist arrivals in Taiwan.
The Flight Safety Foundation- Taiwan says that incidents are common from April to October as resident birds brood and migratory birds pass through. The foundation says that incidents peak from July to September.
In addition to forcing planes to turn back, damage from bird strikes can require costly repairs. The foundation has spent several years attempting to reduce the number of bird strikes with nets, guns, scarecrows, and even stun grenades. The foundation says that while not all incidents are avoidable, its work helps lessen the danger from bird strikes.