Smoke in the Cockpit After Bird Strike Forces Alaska Airbus to Make Emergency Landing

On 28 January 2026, Alaska Airlines Flight 2616 Heavy, an Airbus A330, was cleared for takeoff from Runway 27 at Covington, Kentucky, when the crew reported striking birds on departure, resulting in a left engine failure and possible fire. The pilots requested vectors to return immediately, and ATC instructed them to maintain 3,000 feet while providing headings to remain in the pattern. The crew confirmed bird ingestion into the left engine and later advised they had smoke in the cockpit, requesting direct vectors to Runway 36R.

Accident Facts

Tower continued issuing no-gyro and visual guidance, cleared the aircraft for a visual approach, and coordinated emergency vehicles to roll out. After landing, Alaska 2616 stopped on the runway for assessment, reporting two souls on board and 37,000 pounds of fuel remaining. Crash Fire Rescue personnel communicated with the crew, arranged ladder access at the right-side door, and inspected the left engine for fire or damage.

Tower observed no visible fire, though responders noted debris on Runway 27 and possible engine damage while the aircraft was prepared to be towed off the runway