An Aer Lingus ATR 72-600 leaving Dublin airport was forced to quickly return after striking a hare at full throttle during take-off.
The plane, operated by Stobart Air and heading for Leeds in the UK, returned safely half an hour later on 20 February.
Flight-tracking portal FlightRadar 24 shows how EI3390 / STK9LB performed a U-turn.
A spokesperson for Stobart Air confirmed that the plane returned to Dublin as a precautionary measure due to an animal strike on the runway.
After inspection, the aircraft was allowed to take off again.
Stobart Air said, “The aircraft landed normally and following an inspection, flight EI3390 operated to Leeds Bradford a short time later. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our passengers and thank them for their patience.”
Striking wild animals during take-off is a common incident type in aviation, which can cause severe structural damages on the aircraft including engine failures.
Additional reporting by Airlinerwatch
Ian Hogarth
says:Depending on the season its about now that sex crazed Hares do bound around blind to all dangers and airports would be a key habitat for them. You have all heard I guess of the “Mad March hares”… Just nature. The only solution would be to fence the runways in rural areas if the problem is common.Hares would be present in these locations throughout the year but quite shy its that love makes them blind to danger when they are revved up
Geoffrey Farrance.
says:I did not know Air New Zealand operated at Dublin!!