Narrative:

Normal departure runway xxl at ZZZ. Captain was pilot flying. Heading 030 degrees issued by tower with takeoff clearance. Normal takeoff and initial departure. Flight was handed off to departure; and was issued clearance to a heading of 090 degrees; direct to ZZZ1; climb to and maintain 15;000 ft. MSL. FMS was configured for direct to ZZZ1 and navigation was selected. As the wings rolled level passing 7;000 ft. MSL; the windscreen filled with a large flock of birds of unknown type. Multiple impacts heard in the cockpit; and strong vibrations felt throughout the airframe. A strong 'burnt' odor was also detected by the crew. An immediate decision was made to return to ZZZ; and the aircraft was turned south to enter a downwind for a recovery to runway xxl. Pilot flying called for engine fire sev damage checklist. Moderate to high vibration present; but unsure of damage extent to all engines; and airframe. Airframe and engine integrity was in constant evaluation. All engines continued to operate; with moderate to high vibration felt at low and high thrust settings. At captain's discretion; the crew chose not secure any engine while it could produce power. [Priority handling was requested.] flight was given vectors for the ILS. Attempted to engage autopilot 1; although it disconnected. Aircraft continued to be hand-flown for the time being. Aircraft briefly leveled off at 8;000 ft. MSL; but crew requested and received 7;000 ft. MSL. The auto throttles were disconnected to facilitate a timely descent and hand flown to 7;000 ft. MSL. Flight deck duties were separated to address the duties associated with a quick return. APU was MEL'd inoperative. Engaged autopilot 2. Normal checklist accomplished. Configured aircraft early to address any other damages as they became apparent. Autopilot 2 remained engaged until 500 ft. AGL; then manually disconnected. Landed without further incident. Arff (airport rescue and firefighting) inspected aircraft on runway for any hydraulic; or fuel leaks. Aircraft taxied to ramp under its own power. Post flight visual inspection showed severe damage to multiple engine 1 fan blades and nacelle. Severe damage to multiple left wing slats; with the number 1 slat showing evidence of penetration; and aviary remains. Damage to captain aoa (angle of attack) sensor. Multiple bird strikes aft of radome; nose gear area; and left side fuselage (aft of the 1L door). Engine 3 appeared to be undamaged. Unable to inspect engine 2 due to lack of adequate lift equipment.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Air carrier flight crew had several bird strikes after takeoff. Crew returned to departure airport and landed safely.

Narrative: Normal departure Runway XXL at ZZZ. Captain was Pilot Flying. Heading 030 degrees issued by Tower with takeoff clearance. Normal takeoff and initial departure. Flight was handed off to departure; and was issued clearance to a heading of 090 degrees; direct to ZZZ1; climb to and maintain 15;000 ft. MSL. FMS was configured for direct to ZZZ1 and NAV was selected. As the wings rolled level passing 7;000 ft. MSL; the windscreen filled with a large flock of birds of unknown type. Multiple impacts heard in the cockpit; and strong vibrations felt throughout the airframe. A strong 'burnt' odor was also detected by the crew. An immediate decision was made to return to ZZZ; and the aircraft was turned south to enter a downwind for a recovery to Runway XXL. Pilot Flying called for ENG FIRE SEV DAMAGE checklist. Moderate to high vibration present; but unsure of damage extent to all engines; and airframe. Airframe and engine integrity was in constant evaluation. All engines continued to operate; with moderate to high vibration felt at low and high thrust settings. At Captain's discretion; the crew chose not secure any engine while it could produce power. [Priority handling was requested.] Flight was given vectors for the ILS. Attempted to engage Autopilot 1; although it disconnected. Aircraft continued to be hand-flown for the time being. Aircraft briefly leveled off at 8;000 ft. MSL; but crew requested and received 7;000 ft. MSL. The auto throttles were disconnected to facilitate a timely descent and hand flown to 7;000 ft. MSL. Flight deck duties were separated to address the duties associated with a quick return. APU was MEL'd inoperative. Engaged autopilot 2. Normal checklist accomplished. Configured aircraft early to address any other damages as they became apparent. Autopilot 2 remained engaged until 500 ft. AGL; then manually disconnected. Landed without further incident. ARFF (Airport Rescue and Firefighting) inspected aircraft on runway for any hydraulic; or fuel leaks. Aircraft taxied to ramp under its own power. Post flight visual inspection showed severe damage to multiple Engine 1 fan blades and nacelle. Severe damage to multiple left wing slats; with the number 1 slat showing evidence of penetration; and aviary remains. Damage to Captain AOA (Angle of Attack) sensor. Multiple bird strikes aft of radome; nose gear area; and left side fuselage (aft of the 1L door). Engine 3 appeared to be undamaged. Unable to inspect Engine 2 due to lack of adequate lift equipment.

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.