Bird Strike, Lion Air Surabaya Plane Destination Makassar Returns To Juanda Airport

JAKARTA - The Lion Air JT-800 aircraft from Surabaya to Makassar returns to Juanda Airport, Sidoarjo, East Java. The plane returned due to a bird strike.

Corporate Communications Strategic of Lion Air, Danang Mandala Prihantoro explained that the Lion Air JT-800 aircraft flew from Juanda to Makassar Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Maros, South Sulawesi by checking standard operating procedures.

“Lion Air flight JT-800 has been properly prepared. Prior to departure, the Boeing 737-900ER registered with PK-LHR was declared feasible and safe to operate through a pre-flight check," said Danang in a written statement, Thursday, May 19 in the morning.

Lion Air flight JT-800 is scheduled to take off at 16.20 western Indonesia time with 7 (seven) crew and 222 passengers.

The air phase (take off) runs normally. After about 15 minutes, there is an indicator in the cockpit that shows an indication that it is not appropriate so it needs to be checked again. The pilot decided to return to Juanda International Airport (return to base/RTB).

The plane landed normally. After the plane is parked perfectly in place, all passengers are directed to the waiting room.

"The results of the check showed that the right front plane had a bird strike. Currently, a detailed examination is still being carried out," said Danang.

Lion Air has informed all passengers of the impact.

Lion Air is preparing to fly JT-800 with a replacement aircraft, namely the Boeing 737-900ER registration PK-LGQ. The plane departed at 20.13 western Indonesia time and landed at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport at 22.19 central Indonesia time.

"The bird strike incident will continue to be studied in flight operations, it is considered that it really needs to be developed to anticipate bird disturbances around the flight area, as a seriousness of prioritizing safety and security aspects," said Danang.