Aviation safety investigations & reports
Beech Aircraft Corp 1900D, VH-IMH
200101952

Summary
The Beech 1900D (B1900) accelerated to V1 (111 kts), when the crew noticed a flock of wood ducks crossing their path. At the same time there was a loss of aircraft performance so the crew rejected the take-off. The aircraft was brought to a stop without further incident.
Six wood ducks had impacted the aircraft in the vicinity of the right engine and caused extensive damage to the right engine and wing. Minor damage was evident in the left engine oil cooler.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority required airports handling aircraft of thirty seats capacity or larger to have a recorded bird hazard management program. At the time of the occurrence, Cooma airport had regular scheduled services by aircraft that did not exceed nineteen persons, however during the ski season aircraft with a capacity exceeding thirty persons operated into Cooma.
Bird dispersal control had been applied early in the morning, approximately twelve hours before the B1900's departure.
Analysis of bird hazard reports since January 2001, indicated an increase in bird numbers at Cooma airport. The airport operator had implemented a bird hazard management program but records showed that the program was not being applied consistently.
Safety Action
As a result of the investigation the airport operator advised the Australian Transport Safety Bureau that an improved bird hazard management program had been implemented. It will ensure that bird hazard dispersal measures are conducted within ten minutes of the period prior to the arrival and departure of regular public transport operations during the hours of darkness.
General details
Date: | 03 May 2001 | Investigation status: | Completed | ||
Time: | 1916 hours EST | ||||
Location (show map): | Cooma, Aero. | ||||
State: | New South Wales | Occurrence type: | Birdstrike | ||
Release date: | 27 September 2001 | Occurrence category: | Accident | ||
Report status: | Final | Highest injury level: | None |
Aircraft details
Aircraft manufacturer | Beech Aircraft Corp | |
---|---|---|
Aircraft model | 1900 | |
Aircraft registration | VH-IMH | |
Serial number | UE-230 | |
Type of operation | Air Transport Low Capacity | |
Damage to aircraft | Substantial | |
Departure point | Cooma, NSW | |
Departure time | 1916 hours EST | |
Destination | Sydney, NSW |