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Azores Airlines Plane Returns to Portugal after Bird Strike

Azores AirlinesAzores Airlines flight S4-134 had to return and make a safe emergency landing at Lajes Field, Lajes Air Base, Portugal, on July 15th.

The Airbus A320-200 en-route to Lisbon, Portugal had just departed Lajes’s runway when the crew reported a bird strike resulting in engine failure.

The plane landed safely. All 109 people onboard remained unharmed.

The flight was cancelled.

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SATA Emergency Landing in Funchal

What: SATA International Airbus A320-200 en route from Funchal to Copenhagen
Where: Funchal Portugal
When: Jun 20th 2011
Who: 104 passengers, 6 crew
Why: On takeoff, the plane flew through a flock of birds, resulting in damage to both engines. There was vibration but no loss of power. Within a quarter of an hour, the pilot landed safely back at Funchal.

Both engines ingested seagulls, resulting in damaged fan blades. Also, on impact with a gull, one of the cargo doors opened.

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Sata Airbus Tire Punctured

What: SATA International Airbus A320-200 en route from Lisbon to the Terceira Azores Islands
Where: Lajes
When: Mar 4th 2011
Why: Landing in Portugal on a wet runway, the plane ran over a sandbag and cable, puncturing a tire. The runway was closed, as the situation was dealt with.