B737 flight crew reported a bird strike on departure and returning to airport.

Attributes
ACN	1564528
Time
Date	201807
Local Time Of Day	1201-1800
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Environment
Light	Daylight
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	B737-700
Operating Under FAR Part	Part 121
Flight Phase	Climb
Flight Plan	IFR
Person 1
Function	First Officer Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 494 Flight Crew Type 4000
Person 2
Function	Pilot Not Flying Captain
Qualification	Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Instrument Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Experience	Flight Crew Last 90 Days 403 Flight Crew Type 7000
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal

Narrative:

Shortly after takeoff from ZZZ runway xxr we impacted a bird while climbing out and turning to the initial departure heading. As the PF (pilot flying); I saw a black flash on the left side of the aircraft and felt an impact followed by a flesh burning smell in the flight deck. Additionally the cabin crew called and stated they smelled the same smell and felt the impact as well. The captain directed them to view the number 1 engine for any signs of damage. They noted a large dent on the outer section of the number 1 cowling. We assessed that we indeed experienced a bird strike with engine ingestion and a return to ZZZ was warranted. After assessing the engine readings as normal we elected to continue operating the number 1 engine. I then started coordinating with ATC for our return while the captain coordinated with dispatch and the cabin crew and briefed the passengers. Additionally he obtained the required landing data and we ran all applicable checklists. The approach and overweight landing were uneventful and we returned to the gate. Upon inspection; our assessment was proven correct with the number 1 engine sustaining significant damage to the cowling and probable ingestion. The captain made the required write-ups and the aircraft was turned over to maintenance.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: B737 flight crew reported a bird strike on departure and returning to airport.

Narrative: Shortly after takeoff from ZZZ Runway XXR we impacted a bird while climbing out and turning to the initial departure heading. As the PF (Pilot Flying); I saw a black flash on the left side of the aircraft and felt an impact followed by a flesh burning smell in the flight deck. Additionally the Cabin Crew called and stated they smelled the same smell and felt the impact as well. The Captain directed them to view the number 1 engine for any signs of damage. They noted a large dent on the outer section of the number 1 cowling. We assessed that we indeed experienced a bird strike with engine ingestion and a return to ZZZ was warranted. After assessing the engine readings as normal we elected to continue operating the number 1 engine. I then started coordinating with ATC for our return while the Captain coordinated with Dispatch and the Cabin Crew and briefed the passengers. Additionally he obtained the required landing data and we ran all applicable checklists. The approach and overweight landing were uneventful and we returned to the gate. Upon inspection; our assessment was proven correct with the number 1 engine sustaining significant damage to the cowling and probable ingestion. The Captain made the required write-ups and the aircraft was turned over to Maintenance.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.