#mh114

New Post has been published on http://www.therakyatpost.com/world/2014/03/23/mas-flight-to-kathmandu-hit-by-birds/

MAS flight to Kathmandu hit by birds

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23:

Malaysia Airlines today confirmed that its flight MH114 from Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu on Friday was hit by a flock of birds during approach at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

MAS media relations manager Kharunnisak Dzun Nurin said in a statement here that upon landing, the aircraft was inspected by the engineer on duty.

She said it was found that the aircraft’s landing light lens cover was broken and not the windshield as reported.

“The aircraft was grounded for the night and the broken lens was subsequently replaced.

“The incident came to light after a pilot of Jet Airways, which landed minutes after MAS, informed us of sighting pieces of glass on the runway,” said an ATC on condition of anonymity.

Upon inspection, TIA officials found at least 10 dead ducks along with pieces of glass on the runway.

The debris was cleared and the airport resumed normal operations after 30 minutes. The officials found two more dead ducks during a routine inspection early on Saturday morning.

“It’s the first time that we have seen so many ducks in the airport area,” said an official, adding that they could be migrating ducks.

The airline cancelled a return flight to Kuala Lumpur that was scheduled at 11pm on Friday.

All passengers who were booked on the flight were subsequently transferred to the Soaltee, Annapurna and Hyatt Regency hotels.

The plane took off for the Malaysian capital at 3.30pm yesterday after necessary repairs.

Meanwhile, the ATC official said the TIA general manager had been notified of the incident, recommending action against the MAS pilots for failing to report the incident on time.

“The pilots should have informed the airport authorities immediately to prevent any untoward incident,” said the official.

More than 75 bird strike incidents have occurred during take-off or landing at the TIA since 1990.