Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 142; Flight Crew Type 2033
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Clearance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Environment - Non Weather Related
Departing ZZZZ on the ZZZZX departure we suddenly encountered a flock of very large birds striking at minimum 3 birds. There was no time to avoid as they were not tightly bunched and spread over a large area. Upon impact; mostly on my (First Officer) side; I immediately began to monitor engine performance. With all engine indications appearing normal; I then noticed my airspeed indication quickly dropping. I then quickly compared mine to the Captain and STBY airspeed indicators and determined mine was erroneous. Within seconds my airspeed indication dropped into the red band and triggered the stick shaker on my side. It would remain on the entire time until the landing roll out. I then announced to the Captain [that] we have airspeed unreliable and began the associated immediate action items. After that we quickly discussed the condition of the aircraft and its fly ability. The Captain continued flying the aircraft while I began coordinating a turn away from the terrain and requesting a level off and a return to the airport. The aircraft was stable; we were comfortable with the Captain's airspeed; altimetry; and attitude indications along with the STBY instruments; clear of terrain and heading out over the water. We then [requested priority handling]; as I quickly ran through the Airspeed Unreliable QRH. As the Captain was flying the plane I was tasked with handling all the managerial duties. I quickly [briefed] the FA's (flight attendants) without a cabin evac prep; as discussed between the Captain and myself. I reprogrammed the FMC (Flight Management Computer); sent an ACARS (Aircraft Communications addressing and Reporting System) divert report; made a quick PA (Public Address); then set up for the approach back to the field. The stick shaker was extremely distracting and added to the stress of the situation; but feel we did a good job flying the aircraft first then working the situation while expediting a return to the field. We then flew the XR approach and landed in a normal configuration; but overweight. We then taxied to a remote pad and were met by fire and rescue. An exterior inspection revealed that the FO (First Officer) side AOA (Angle Of Attack) vane had been broken completely off; with the FO pitot tube taking a direct hit and clogged as well. In addition to significant bird remains and smears all around the FO side and on the pitot tube; we also noted an impact area on the number two engine nacelle/lip area indicated by blood. We then deplaned the passengers; secured the aircraft and handed it over to Maintenance; then proceeded to the terminal.
On climb out after ZZZZ departure at approximately 1800 ft altitude we were struck by at least two large birds (flock of 7 to 10) on the front/right side of the airplane. Immediate activation of the stick shaker as well as the loss of the F/O's (First Officer) flight instruments as experienced. F/O called out 'unreliable airspeed' and stated/accomplished the steps. We took stock of our status. Flight control appeared normal. Captain's flight instruments; including airspeed appeared to be normal and matched the standby instruments. We notified ATC; [requested priority handling] and asked for air return. F/O notified Dispatch via ACARS (Aircraft Communications Addressing and Reporting System); [briefed] the F/A's (flight attendants) and made a passenger P/A (Public Address). We discussed an overweight landing and briefly looked at the non-normal configuration landing chart as a reference. Stick shaker/yoke vibration was continuous. Approach and landing were uneventful.
B737 flight crew reported encountering multiple bird strikes after takeoff.