Bird Strike Safety: How the ‘Dead Chicken Test’ Protects Air Travel
By Lokmat English Desk | Updated: June 17, 2025 15:24 IST2025-06-17T14:56:25+5:302025-06-17T15:24:16+5:30
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An Air India flight from Ahmedabad to London crashed shortly after takeoff, killing 241 of the 242 people on board. While initial speculation suggested a bird strike, the DGCA investigation ruled out this possibility, finding no bird remains.
Bird strike causes fatal plane accidents
A bird strike is when a plane hits a bird during takeoff and landing at any airport. The risk of bird strike is highest during takeoff, landing and when flying from low altitudes.
Even a small object can be dangerous if a plane flying at a speed of about 350 km per hour hits it. Bird strike can have serious consequences. Often, a bird hitting the cockpit can break the windshield. This can injure the pilot.
If a bird gets into the engine, it can damage the turbine blades. It can cause a fire or even shut down the engine completely. Due to this, there is a risk of the plane crashing in a few seconds. DCGA and airlines have made many safety rules to avoid this.
What is the Dead Chicken Test?
Airlines around the world test their aircraft before certification. This test is done to ensure their quality in a bird strike situation. During this test, dead chickens are shot into the engine and other important parts to see what happens to the plane in such a situation. It may sound strange but it is scientifically accepted.
A special device is used to use this test. Which is called a chicken gun. It is a powerful air cannon. It is used to measure the effect of a bird strike at high speed. It is used to see if the plane can withstand such a situation during real flight.
This test reviews how strong the windshield and engine of the plane are. Usually, this test is done in a controlled laboratory. Engineers shoot a dead chicken at high speed. This is recorded on a high-speed camera. The footage is then examined. This shows the extent of the damage.
Real chickens are used in the test because their weight and size are similar to those that hit an aircraft in flight. Bird strike tests are a special procedure in obtaining permission to fly an aircraft. In this test, a strong frame is placed on important parts such as the engine, cockpit windshield, wings.
Usually a dead chicken, an artificial bird or a gelatin-based ball is used for this test, but most often a chicken is used. A special air gun or cannon-like device is installed.
This device pushes the object forward at a speed equal to the speed of the aircraft. This speed is about 300 to 500 kilometers per hour.
