Investigation number
198700741
Occurrence date
Location
Batchelor
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Birdstrike
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Minor
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.
Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Piper Aircraft Corp
Model
PA-25
Registration
VH-FAL
Serial number
25-2289
Operation type
Aerial Work
Departure point
Batchelor NT
Departure time
N/A
Destination
Batchelor NT
Damage
Substantial