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Wide Angle: Bird Strike Avoidance Technology

Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who was hailed as a hero after piloting the US Airways flight that landed safely on the Hudson River in January 2009, is retiring. A flock of birds caused both engines on Flight 1549 to fail, sending it to a watery landing. Everyone survived, but can it be prevented from happening again? In this Wide Angle, we'll take a look at how bird strikes happen and how science can help avoid these collisions.

Brace For Impact: A Wife's Prespective [VIDEO]

Captain Sullenberger's wife, Lorrie, recounts her first reaction to discovering her husband has just made a crash landing, and the impacts it's made on her life since.

Aircraft lights could reduce bird strikes.

Aircraft Lights Reduce Bird Hits

Most bird-aircraft collisions occur within the airport environment. So, approaching the problem from a variety of perspectives and utilizing the best-available technology can reduce bird strikes, reduce damage and save lives.

Waterfowl, such as Canada geese, account for 31 percent of airstrikes.

Some Airports More At Risk for Bird Strikes

The location of an airport, along with the level of provided protection, can heighten or decrease the chances of a bird air strike, like the two strikes thought to have forced U.S. Airways flight 1549 into New York's Hudson River, suggest federal officials.

When Birds Hit Planes [VIDEO]

Aircraft bird strikes are on the rise; two Canada geese brought down Flight 1549 into the Hudson River last January. The Smithsonian's Feather Identification Lab -- BSI for short -- is on the case. Kasey-Dee Gardner investigates the three ways the lab IDs.

Engines on the Airbus 320 lost power after colliding with birds.

Radar Could Help Reduce Bird Strikes

Officials at DeTect Inc. and the U.S. Air Force say that bird detecting radar technology available today could have prevented, or at least lowered the chance, of the bird strike that brought down U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on Jan. 15, 2009.

How to Avoid Bird Strikes

Airfields and airports use a variety of techniques and technology to minimize the chances of airplanes colliding with birds. We tell you about 11 methods in this slideshow, and explain how they work.