Vulture Strike on Brazilian Plane Goes Viral

A single-engine aircraft carrying five passengers narrowly avoided disaster when a vulture crashed through the cockpit windshield during a flight from Envira to Eirunepe in Brazil's Amazonas on December 5. The incident left the bird hanging lifelessly in front of the pilot, obstructing his vision, yet he managed to safely land the plane without injuries reported. The pilot attributed the incident to a landfill near the airport, which attracts vultures, posing a significant risk to aircraft. The event, captured on video, went viral online, sparking discussions on the unpredictability of air travel. This incident is part of a troubling trend, with similar collisions involving vultures occurring in other countries, such as Ecuador and Spain, underscoring the hazards posed by bird strikes. While the pilot's skillful handling averted tragedy, the event highlights the need for addressing wildlife hazards near airports.