TEMPO.CO, Tangerang - A Lion Air’s flight heading from Surabaya to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Wednesday, May 18, was diverted after the JT-800 flight number hit a bird.

“The inspection results show that the front right side of the plane experienced a bird strike. A detailed inspection is still being carried out,” said the low-cost carrier spokesman Danang Mandala Prihantoro in a statement, Thursday, May 19, 2022.

He explained that the bird strike incident occurred shortly after the plane carrying 222 passengers and 7 crew took off from Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, East Java at 16:25 Western Indonesian Time (WIB).

“The pilot decided to return to Juanda International Airport (return to base/RTB),” said Danang.

He also said the trip was continued using another plane. “Lion Air is preparing for the JT-800 flight with a replacement aircraft, namely Boeing 737-900ER registered as PK-LGQ. The plane departed at 20:13 WIB and was scheduled to land at Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport at 22:19 WITA,” said Danang.

According to him, the bird strike incident would be further studied in flight operations. “It is deemed necessary to be developed in order to anticipate bird disturbances around the flight area so as to prioritize safety and security.”

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JONIANSYAH (CONTRIBUTOR)