Seagull Collides with Eurofighter Jet Mid-Air at Spanish Airshow – Stunning Photos Capture the Moment

In a dramatic and rare incident, a seagull collided with the cockpit of a Spanish Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon during an airshow at San Javier Air Base, Murcia, Spain. The incident occurred on June 15, 2025, during a high-speed aerobatic display, leaving spectators shocked and aviation enthusiasts astonished.

Seagull crashes into Eurofighter jet canopy during Spanish airshow, shattering the cockpit glass mid-flight.

The remarkable moment was captured by renowned aviation photographer Javier Alonso de Medina Salguero, who initially did not realize what had transpired. “We were watching the Eurofighter display when we saw it leave without completing the routine. Over the radio, it was reported that the jet had hit a seagull and damaged the cockpit canopy,” Javier said. Upon reviewing his high-speed photography sequence, he discovered a series of shots showing the exact moment of impact.

The four consecutive photos reveal the seagull striking the $98 million fighter jet’s canopy and shattering part of the windshield. Despite the potentially catastrophic nature of bird strikes, the pilot managed to land safely, avoiding injuries.

Bird Strikes – A Global Aviation Hazard
Bird and wildlife strikes are a known hazard in aviation, with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reporting approximately 292,000 wildlife strikes between 1990 and 2023. These incidents have resulted in 499 human fatalities and 361 aircraft destroyed worldwide from 1988 to 2024.

Earlier in March 2025, a FedEx cargo plane experienced a bird strike shortly after takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport, leading to an emergency landing. The incident resulted in a fire near the aircraft’s wing, highlighting the persistent risk wildlife poses to aviation operations.

Takeaway
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by wildlife to aviation safety, even in controlled environments such as airshows. While bird strikes are common, witnessing one captured so vividly on camera, involving a frontline fighter aircraft, is a rare occurrence.

Thankfully, the Eurofighter pilot was unharmed, and the images serve both as an extraordinary piece of aviation photography and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of flying.

Image Reference

The featured image vividly captures the dramatic moment when a Eurofighter Typhoon collides mid-air with a seagull during the Spanish Air Force airshow at San Javier Air Base. The high-speed collision shattered the canopy glass but fortunately left the pilot unharmed. This rare event, photographed at the exact moment of impact, highlights the unpredictable nature of bird strikes and their potential risk to aviation safety.

Image Source: AI Generated Image by AHA Apex Wing, inspired by event details reported by Javier Alonso de Medina Salguero (Aviation Photographer) and SWNS.
© 2025 AHA Apex Wing – AI Generated Image

Image Source Reference:
Image generated by AI (AHA Apex Wing) based on the incident details reported by Javier Alonso de Medina Salguero (aviation photographer) and SWNS.

Source: “Seagull Smashes Into Cockpit of Fighter Jet During Airshow: See the Shocking Photos,” Yahoo News, by Colson Thayer (July 24, 2025) — https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/seagull-smashes-cockpit-fighter-jet-200111554.html