Summary
The pilot reported that as he was preparing engine settings for descent, he noticed a very large bird ahead of the aircraft. Insufficient time remained to initiate avoidance, and the bird struck the left-wing leading edge. The flight continued without further incident and the aircraft made an uneventful landing at the planned destination. Post flight examination found the wing leading edge was deformed outboard of the left engine and a wing rib was damaged.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 199601148 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 07/04/1996 |
| Location | 30 km south of Weipa Aerodrome |
| State | Queensland |
| Report release date | 07/05/1996 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Aviation |
| Aviation occurrence category | Birdstrike |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
Aircraft details
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft Corp |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-31-350 |
| Registration | VH-PRJ |
| Sector | Piston |
| Operation type | Charter |
| Departure point | Aurukun QLD |
| Destination | Weipa QLD |
| Damage | Substantial |