Air France A319 performs rejected takeoff due to bird strike

An Air France Airbus A319 suffered an engine problem following an encounter with birds while on takeoff from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), France.

The incident occurred on May 17, 2021. The Air France Airbus A319-100, registered as F-GRHN, was supposed to perform a regular domestic flight from Marseille to Paris. According to the Flightradar24.com data, the aircraft took off from Marseille Provence Airport (MRS) at 6:55 a.m. (UTC) and was scheduled to land at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 8:25 a.m. but as soon as the jet was accelerating for a takeoff, the incident happened. 

When the F-GRHN reached a high speed of about 100 knots at MRS runway 31R, the jet incurred unexpected vibrations and the flight crew decided to reduce the engine power rejecting takeoff.

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The Captain reportedly informed the passengers that the aircraft encountered birds causing the right engine problem. Due to the incident, the flight crew decided to slowly return to the airport and the flight was canceled.

Fortunately, no injuries or further incidents were reported. However, the severity of the encounter has not been disclosed yet.

According to the flight record, as of early May 18, 2021, the jet was still on the ground.