Birdstrike

The aircraft struck a bird while cruising at 1500 feet. The bird shattered the windscreen and struck the occupants of the aircraft before coming to rest in the rear of the cabin area. The pilot reported that loss of the windscreen reduced aircraft performance to the extent that, while flying at about 1000 feet with cruise power set, the indicated airspeed was 65 knots compared to the normal 90 knots. The bird was later identified as a wedge tailed eagle. It had a wingspan of almost two metres.

As the aircraft turned onto final, the pilot noticed a large bird (later identified as a kite hawk) above and assessed that the aircraft would pass beneath it. However, the bird rolled over, dived and struck the windshield. The sudden heavy impact smashed the perspex into small pieces which cut the pilot about the face and chest. The broken windshield resulted in a substantial increase in the descent rate which required a considerable increase in power to overcome. A difficult landing was further complicated by a reduction in visibility due to windblast, blood and feathers. Although the pilot's sunglasses and headset were knocked from his head, had he not been wearing glasses it is probable that he would have been blinded as a result of the collision. The specialist ornithologist reported that large birds like kite hawks and eagles have only one evasive manoeuvre and that is to fold their wings and dive. However, if given sufficient warning they will simply turn away from an aircraft. Given that they are adept at avoiding collisions, this bird was caught unawares probably by the low power setting of the engine whilst the aircraft was on approach. When surprised by the proximity of the aircraft it reverted to instinct.

The pilot reported that as the aircraft was climbing through 3000 feet when it suffered a bird strike. The aircraft was landed at the DEPARTURE aerodrome without further incident. The bird, an eagle, became embedded in the vertical stabiliser.

The aircraft was cruising at 1500 feet agl when a large bird was struck. Substantial damage was caused to the right wing of the aircraft, however the pilot subsequently carried out an uneventful landing.

The pilot was conducting a sight-seeing flight and was returning to Jabiru at 6-700 ft above ground level. The pilot recalled seeing a bird just before it impacted the top of the windscreen. The bird did not enter the cockpit but the perspex was shattered. A large piece of windscreen attached to the compass electrical wires swung inwards and hit the pilot across the forehead, nose and mouth. He was wearing sunglasses at the time which may have protected his eyes from the debris. The pilot was able to control the aircraft normally although extra power was required to overcome the increased drag. The aircraft returned safely to the DEPARTURE airfield.

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.

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (formerly BASI) is conducting a technical analysis of the blade failure. Any safety deficiencies identified will be published in the Bureau's Quarterly Safety Deficiency Report.

The pilot reported a birdstrike during the descent. The strike appeared to cause the left engine to lose power, and it was shut down and secured. Subsequent investigation indicates that the wiring providing indications to the flight crew was damaged and the instrument indications, only, were lost.

An unsafe left main gear indication illuminated when the gear was selected down for landing. Although the standby system indicated three green lights, a single-engine flypast was completed to confirm the gear position.

The crew did not request emergency services. The company agents on the ground at Broome declined to declare a full emergency and local standby only was activated by airport management.

During the later part of the landing roll the pilot lost directional control of the aircraft. He reported brake and steering failure.

The aircraft veered off the sealed runway before the pilot stopped it by application of the emergency brakes.

Ground witnesses reported the loss of directional control may have been the result of the use of reverse thrust on the remaining operating engine.

There were 17 people on board.