The pilot of the Boeing 737 reported that after departing from runway 34L, whilst climbing through 2,400 ft with climb power set, three birds were sighted just before they impacted in the vicinity of the right engine. There was immediate vibration throughout the aircraft and smoke was evident in the cabin and cockpit. The right engine was shut down and the appropriate check lists were actioned. An emergency was declared and the aircraft subsequently returned and landed safely on runway 34L, with the vibration continuing throughout the flight. The aircraft was taxied back to the ramp on the remaining engine. There were no injuries to passengers or crew.
Inspection of the engine revealed major damage to the inlet duct and fan section, with the outer sections of two fan blades missing. There was no evidence of fire. Bird remains were recovered from the engine, and there was evidence of multiple bird strikes to the right-wing leading edge in the vicinity of the engine pylon. No data was available from the flight data recorder due to an unserviceability in the recording system.
Analysis of the bird remains indicated that feral pigeons were the most likely species. The engine manufacturer reported that the damage was not normal but was consistent with a radially orientated pigeon strike impacting near a fan blade mid span shroud section.