Summary
Soon after lift-off, whilst tow launching a glider, the aircraft was struck by two kite-hawks. One hawk smashed the windshield and also struck the pilot in the face. The pilot released the glider and made a normal landing on the remaining runway. Although the pilot was cut about the face by the impact of the bird and broken pieces of perspex, it is considered that because he was wearing sunglasses at the time, he avoided probable serious eye damage.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198700741 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 09/08/1987 |
| Location | Batchelor |
| Report release date | 15/09/1987 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Birdstrike |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Minor |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-25 |
| Registration | VH-FAL |
| Serial number | 25-2289 |
| Operation type | Aerial Work |
| Departure point | Batchelor NT |
| Destination | Batchelor NT |
| Damage | Substantial |