A SunExpress passenger aircraft preparing to depart from Samsun to Izmir returned to the apron after the flight was cancelled due to striking a flock of seagulls during take-off.
According to information obtained, the SunExpress Boeing 737-800 aircraft operating flight XQ9159 on the Samsun–Izmir route began its take-off roll on the runway at Samsun-Çarşamba Airport at 08:20. Just moments before becoming airborne, the aircraft made contact with a flock of seagulls.
Pilot aborted the take-off
Following the bird strike, brief panic occurred inside the aircraft, after which the pilot aborted the take-off and safely returned the aircraft to the apron. It was learned that no injuries occurred in the incident.
Aircraft taken into maintenance, passengers directed to the terminal
After the aircraft was towed to the apron, technical teams began inspections. Following the initial checks, it was reported that the aircraft was taken into maintenance. After the flight was cancelled, passengers were taken to the waiting lounge in the terminal building.
Bird strikes, referred to as “bird strike” in aviation, can pose a risk to flight safety, especially during take-off and landing phases. Authorities stated that the aircraft would not be returned to operation until the necessary technical inspections were completed.
