Summary
The aircraft struck a bird while cruising at 1500 feet. The bird shattered the windscreen and struck the occupants of the aircraft before coming to rest in the rear of the cabin area. The pilot reported that loss of the windscreen reduced aircraft performance to the extent that, while flying at about 1000 feet with cruise power set, the indicated airspeed was 65 knots compared to the normal 90 knots. The bird was later identified as a wedge tailed eagle. It had a wingspan of almost two metres.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 198903805 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 05/09/1989 |
| Location | 18 km SE Archerfield |
| Report release date | 11/09/1989 |
| 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 | Cessna Aircraft Company |
|---|---|
| Model | 152 |
| Registration | VH-FUH |
| Serial number | A1520952 |
| Operation type | Flying Training |
| Departure point | Archerfield QLD |
| Destination | Archerfield QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |