Forced/precautionary landing involving a Cessna 172N, VH-MSJ, Redcliffe Aerodrome, Queensland, on 18 January 1998

During the initial climb after take-off from Runway 07, the pilot saw a large white bird in front and just right of the aircraft. With the aircraft only 50 ft above the runway there was insufficient airspace and time to take avoiding action. The windscreen shattered and shards of Perspex flew around the cabin. The pilot closed the throttle immediately and landed the aircraft on the remaining section of runway.

After taxying clear of the runway, the pilot shut the engine down and attended to a young boy who was seated in the right rear seat. He had been injured by the flying Perspex and was bleeding profusely from a cut above his left eye. The boy later received stitches at the Redcliffe Hospital.

During an inspection of the runway, Perspex pieces and the remains of an Ibis were found 400 m from the threshold.