Air Recognition never publishes such information nor pictures but, in this case, exceptional pictures concerning a brand-new heavy airlifter presents some interest. On Friday, May 8, a Spanish Airbus A400M Atlas landing at Zaragoza Air Base suffered an impressive bird strike that caused severe damage without threatening the aircraft stability.

A Spanish Air Force Airbus A400M (Picture source: Airbus)

The damaged A400M successfully landed and performed a roll-out as the captain informed the control tower that they had struck a bird shortly before touching down.

The aircraft now needs deep inspection on all the possible impacts on the aircraft systems before being repaired. Will there be any lesson to draw on some technical aspects of the frame conception aiming at preventing such damage that fortunately didn't affect an engine or a structural part of the aircraft?

The first A400M was delivered to Spain in November 2016. The first 14 aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2022 and the rest 13 will be delivered from 2025.

(Picture source: Aviaincidents)

(Picture source: Aviaincidents)

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