Video shows the full devastating impact of a bird strike on an airplane

A new video circulating on Reddit has put the dangers of a bird strike into sharp focus, showing just how much damage can occur when a plane collides with birds midair.

The clip shows the aftermath of a bird strike, showing the plane engine completely devastated by the small animal.

For many viewers, it was a shocking reminder that it’s not just devastating for the birds, it also has enormous consequences in aviation.

While rare, these encounters remain one of the most unpredictable hazards in modern flying.

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What exactly happens when a plane and bird collide?

So what exactly happens during a bird strike?

At high speeds, even a small bird can hit with tremendous force, creating damage far greater than its size suggests.

When a bird collides with an engine, the sudden impact can shatter fan blades, disrupt airflow, or in extreme cases, cause the engine to fail.

Pilots often go through a number of challenging simulation scenarios during their training, and preparing for a bird strike is one of them.

Bird strikes are far more common than most travelers realize.

According to the FAA, thousands occur every year worldwide, though most don’t make the news.

The majority involve minor damage or no damage at all.

However, high-profile cases like the legendary ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ in 2009, when a flock of geese disabled both engines of an Airbus A320, show the potential stakes.

That event ended safely thanks to pilot skill, but it highlighted how even large, modern aircraft aren’t immune.

Airports employ a variety of methods to scare birds away

To reduce the risk, airlines and airports have developed an arsenal of prevention strategies.

Wildlife management teams patrol runways, using noise cannons, falcons, and even specially trained dogs to scare birds away.

Some airports install grass types that discourage nesting, while others employ radar systems that detect flocks approaching airspace.

Engine manufacturers also design and test their turbines to withstand certain levels of bird impact, though there’s only so much engineering can do against nature’s unpredictability.

The next time you look out of a plane window at takeoff, you might have a new appreciation for just how much effort goes into keeping your flight safe.

You can watch the video at the top of this story.

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