Flight Dynamics Lab • Emergency Ops

Bird Strike Engine Surge & Emergency Turnback Simulator

Grounded in the Myrtle Beach Boeing 737 ingestion incident. Model dual-turbofan surge physics, asymmetric thrust loss, and split-second teardrop turnback geometry.

PRESETS:
Flight Path
Bird Flock
Turnback Envelope
ENGINE #1 (LEFT CFM56) NORMAL (100% N1)
Thrust Output 24,000 lbf
N1 FAN 98.4%
ENGINE #2 (RIGHT CFM56) NORMAL (100% N1)
Thrust Output 24,000 lbf
N1 FAN 98.4%

Flight Parameters

Strike Altitude 450 ft
Altitude above runway threshold where bird flock is encountered.
Takeoff Airspeed (V2) 155 kts
Pilot Turn Decision Latency 4.5 sec
Time elapsed between surge bang & teardrop bank initiation.
Post-Surge Thrust Loss 85%
Flock Size / Density 12 birds

Flight Telemetry Proof COMPLETED

Engine Status Engine 2 Compressor Surge / Mayday Declared
Max Altitude Reached 620 ft
Touchdown Speed 142 kts
Turnback Bank Angle 28°
RUNWAY RETURN SUCCESSFUL

Sufficient kinetic altitude envelope (620 ft) permitted complete 180° teardrop alignment to Myrtle Beach runway threshold within safe touchdown speeds.

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