MD-11
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 60; Flight Crew Total 18200; Flight Crew Type 5500
Confusion; Workload
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft; Airport
Normal departure Runway XXL at ZZZ. Captain was Pilot Flying. Heading 030 degrees issued by Tower with takeoff clearance. Normal takeoff and initial departure. Flight was handed off to departure; and was issued clearance to a heading of 090 degrees; direct to ZZZ1; climb to and maintain 15;000 ft. MSL. FMS was configured for direct to ZZZ1 and NAV was selected. As the wings rolled level passing 7;000 ft. MSL; the windscreen filled with a large flock of birds of unknown type. Multiple impacts heard in the cockpit; and strong vibrations felt throughout the airframe. A strong 'burnt' odor was also detected by the crew. An immediate decision was made to return to ZZZ; and the aircraft was turned south to enter a downwind for a recovery to Runway XXL. Pilot Flying called for ENG FIRE SEV DAMAGE checklist. Moderate to high vibration present; but unsure of damage extent to all engines; and airframe. Airframe and engine integrity was in constant evaluation. All engines continued to operate; with moderate to high vibration felt at low and high thrust settings. At Captain's discretion; the crew chose not secure any engine while it could produce power. [Priority handling was requested.] Flight was given vectors for the ILS. Attempted to engage Autopilot 1; although it disconnected. Aircraft continued to be hand-flown for the time being. Aircraft briefly leveled off at 8;000 ft. MSL; but crew requested and received 7;000 ft. MSL. The auto throttles were disconnected to facilitate a timely descent and hand flown to 7;000 ft. MSL. Flight deck duties were separated to address the duties associated with a quick return. APU was MEL'd inoperative. Engaged autopilot 2. Normal checklist accomplished. Configured aircraft early to address any other damages as they became apparent. Autopilot 2 remained engaged until 500 ft. AGL; then manually disconnected. Landed without further incident. ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) inspected aircraft on runway for any hydraulic; or fuel leaks. Aircraft taxied to ramp under its own power. Post flight visual inspection showed severe damage to multiple Engine 1 fan blades and nacelle. Severe damage to multiple left wing slats; with the number 1 slat showing evidence of penetration; and aviary remains. Damage to Captain AOA (Angle of Attack) sensor. Multiple bird strikes aft of radome; nose gear area; and left side fuselage (aft of the 1L door). Engine 3 appeared to be undamaged. Unable to inspect Engine 2 due to lack of adequate lift equipment.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Air carrier flight crew had several bird strikes after takeoff. Crew returned to departure airport and landed safely.