Commercial Fixed Wing
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; General Maintenance Action
Environment - Non Weather Related
While on Approach to BWI approximately 8 miles to the east and on vectors for Runway 33L; approximately 8;000 FT MSL; and 250 KTS assigned; we heard a loud bang from the nose area. I immediately recognized the sound as a probable Bird Strike. We scanned the engine instruments right after; and noticed the Left N2 Vibration Monitor jumped to around 4.0 then settled down to around 3.0. We notified ATC; who then gave us a more immediate vector towards the final for 33L; and cleared us for the visual approach; and to land. Upon inspection at the Gate; the mechanics and we found evidence of a relatively large bird strike on aircraft right nose area slightly aft of the radome; with No structural damage noted at the time. Further inspection revealed blood on the leading edge of the right wing; and what appeared to be blood evidence on the leading edge of the right engine intake cowl. We also noted; with the mechanics as the left engine N1 fan was spooling down; what appeared to be a dark area on a couple of the fan blades. An entry was made in the logbook; and aircraft was taken out of service; pending a borescope inspection. We were given another aircraft; and completed our next flight; without incident.
Captain experiences a bird strike at 8;000 FT 8 NM east of BWI on vectors for approach causing an elevated N1 vibration reading for the right engine. After landing evidence of a relative large bird strike is found on the right side of the nose; right wing root; and right engine cowl and fan blades. Aircraft is taken out of service.