Pilotcenter.net News has recently reported on a dramatic incident involving a Flair Airlines flight that took place on October 24, 2024, in Canada. The captain of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft encountered a birdstrike shortly after departure from Toronto, resulting in a shattered front windscreen panel on the port side. The flight, identified as Flair Airlines flight F8641, was en route from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Winnipeg-Richardson International Airport when the incident occurred.

As the aircraft was climbing post take-off, it collided with a flock of Canadian Geese, leading to the damage of the captain's windscreen and minor injuries to the captain. Following the birdstrike, the flight crew declared a ‘PAN PAN’ emergency and opted to return to Toronto-Pearson for a precautionary landing. The plane successfully landed back at the airport around 28 minutes after take-off.

Assistance from ground crews was needed to tow the aircraft to the gate due to reduced forward visibility caused by the damaged windscreen. A report from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada confirmed the birdstrike incident and the resulting injuries to the captain. The aircraft involved, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with registration C-FLKO, had been in service with Flair Airlines since August 2022 and is owned by SKY Leasing, leased through the parent company 777 Partners.

Currently, the aircraft remains grounded at Toronto-Pearson Airport, described as ‘stored’ according to ch-aviation. This incident serves as a reminder of the unexpected challenges that can arise in aviation and the professionalism exhibited by flight crews in handling such situations.