An Airbus A319 on approach to Kathmandhu had to perform a goat around. Yes, a goat around.
Bhutan Airlines was set to land but had to abort to avoid a goat.
A Bhutan Airlines Airbus A319-100, registration A5-BAC performing flight B3-771 from Paro (Bhutan) to Kathmandu (Nepal) with 68 passengers and 8 crew, was on final approach to Kathmandu’s runway 02 when a goat reached the runway prompting the crew to initiate a “goat around”. The aircraft performed the standard missed approach procedure to climb out of the narrow Kathmandu valley and entered a hold briefly while the goat was being caught and removed from the aerodrome perimeter. The aircraft landed safely on their second approach about 40 minutes after aborting the first approach.
Bhutan Airlines Airbus A319, Copyright: khunaspix / 123RF Stock Photo
Investigations determined that the goat belonged to airport security. Yes, it was an airport security goat.
Many people are familiar with the risks and problems that birds cause for commercial airlines, but goats are a big issue too in certain parts of the world. For instance goat flatulence forced a Singapore Airlines 747 cargo plane to make an emergency landing in Bali because smoke alarms went off.
Singapore Airlines Used to Fly Passsengers – Not Goats – In 747s
Although goats also support aviation too — Chicago O’Hare uses them to clear airfield brush.
So obviously, goats are evil. But WTF is an “airport security goat” ?!? Don’t leave us hanging…