Alaska Airlines Cargo Jet Returns to CVG After Bird Strike, Engine Failure

On January 28, 2026, at 15:05 eastern standard time, an Alaska Airlines cargo flight, operated by an Airbus A330-343 (registration N5827K), struck multiple birds during initial climb after taking off from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport (CVG) on runway 27. The aircraft, powered by two Rolls Royce RB211 engines, was destined for George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, Texas, as part of a domestic cargo operation for Amazon.com Services LLC.

Incident Details

According to the Aviation Safety Network, the flight crew observed a flock of geese flying from right to left and immediately felt multiple birds impact the left and right sides of the airplane, leading to a left engine failure. The crew declared an emergency and returned to CVG, landing safely without any injuries to the two crew members on board.

Investigation

The incident is under investigation, though the specific authority leading the investigation has not been confirmed in the provided sources.

Context

Bird strikes are a significant concern for aviation safety, with the potential to cause substantial damage to aircraft and, in severe cases, lead to accidents. This incident highlights the importance of bird strike prevention measures and the robustness of modern aircraft in withstanding such events. The Airbus A330-343's ability to safely return to the airport after suffering a bird strike and subsequent engine failure demonstrates the effectiveness of safety protocols and the training of flight crews in emergency situations.