Wildlife strike involving Mooney M20J, VH-CYK, at Hedlow (ALA), Queensland, on 24 March 2013

The pilot commenced the landing flare at about 10 ft above the runway, during which time a bird struck the left wing. The aircraft yawed slightly left and the left wing dropped; the pilot applied opposite aileron to maintain wings level. The aircraft then drifted to the right of the runway into an adjacent paddock and the left wing struck a bull. The aircraft landed in the paddock. The aircraft sustained substantial damage from the bull strike and one passenger received minor injuries. The bull was put down as a result of the injuries sustained from the strike.

While the risk of wildlife strikes represents an ongoing challenge, and will always be present, this accident highlights the need to be aware of the hazards that may potentially exist within the vicinity of the runway and the benefits of overflying to alarm wildlife.

Aviation Short Investigation Bulletin - Issue 19