Easyjet A319 at Basel on Jul 3rd 2014, bird strike

An Easyjet Switzerland Airbus A319-100, registration HB-JZV performing flight U2-1151 from Basel/Mulhouse (Switzerland/France) to Copenhagen (Denmark), was climbing out of Basel's runway 16 when the aircraft flew through a flock of storks and ingested at least one stork into the left hand engine (CFM56) causing a loud bang and serious vibrations from that engine. The crew levelled off at 3000 feet and declared mayday. The airrport kept the runway sterile in anticipation of the return. The aircraft returned to Basel for a safe landing on runway 17 about 15 minutes after departure.

The flight was cancelled.

A passenger reported a loud bang from the left hand engine followed by serious vibrations, the engine failed. The crew announced they had flown through a group of about 4-5 storks.