Date: 201911
Local time of day: 1801-2400
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Light: Night
Aircraft: MD-11
Operator: Air Carrier
Operating under: Part 121
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Cargo / Freight / Delivery
Flight phase: Climb
ATC / advisory: Tower ZZZ
Aircraft component: Fan Blade
Reporter organization: Air Carrier
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Confusion; Workload
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Inflight Event / Encounter Bird / Animal
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Contributing factors: Aircraft; Airport
Primary problem: Ambiguous

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.


Second narrative: [Report narrative contained no additional information.]


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