Citation Latitude (C680A)
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related
On takeoff at 10 ft. AGL we flew through a flock of birds. The birds lifted from the grass on the left side of Runway XX as we rotated. There were no abnormal indications and the airplane felt normal. We elected to return for a precautionary landing. We notified the tower of our intention to return and were cleared for left traffic Runway XX. The pattern was flown smoothly and in downwind I informed the passengers that we were returning for a precautionary landing to inspect the airplane. The landing was normal. Prior to opening the door I briefed the passengers as to why we returned; specifically for safety. The lead then looked out of the window and commented on the remains visible on the wing. We informed ground control of the strike as requested. After inspecting the airplane; we agreed to have it inspected by maintenance prior to flight. I informed Management and Maintenance of our situation. The ATC tower requested a call. I gave them the specifics about the strike. He requested passenger information and I gave him the Company Name and told him to ask Management for passenger info. I submitted the logbook entry while First Officer took care of the passengers.
Upon rotation we observed a flock of birds begin to takeoff. At approximately 10 ft.; I felt the impact through the controls and told the PIC I'm pretty sure we hit at least one and we made the decision to make a precautionary return to landing to inspect the aircraft for damage. Due to the concern of possible damage we decided to leave the gear down and enter the traffic pattern. We didn't consider it an emergency as no abnormal engine indications were noted and aircraft control felt normal so we didn't request priority handling. The PIC notified the owner that we were returning as a precaution and would give them more details on the ground. Upon landing we noted at least 3 locations of a bird strike; one being on the pylon of the left engine and noted excessive splatter on the underside of the horizontal stabilizer. Maintenance was contacted and they agreed the most conservative approach of writing up the aircraft for an inspection was the safest option. Owner services was contacted to begin arranging alternate options for the owner.
C680 flight crew reported an uneventful air return for bird strike during takeoff.