Sandhill Crane Ingested

Dec. 24/14-The Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319-100 aircraft (AC1865, C-FYNS) was on the takeoff run from Runway 17R at Orlando Intl airport when the #2 engine ingested a Sandhill Crane at a ground speed just below 100 knots. The crew felt a large vibration, a yaw, and a power loss on the #2 engine. The take-off run was aborted and after the aircraft came to a stop, the #2 engine was shutdown. The captain made a PA announcement for all passengers to remain seated, and then taxied the aircraft back to the gate. Visual inspection of the #2 engine revealed substantial damage to the fan blades. Maintenance replaced the damaged fan blades, and after balancing the fan and a ground run the aircraft was returned to service.