Casualties unknown

Bird Strike Penetrates Windshield During Night Landing Approach; Co-pilot Lands Aircraft After Captain Incapacitated (N7517U)

Sioux Falls, SD, US

On November 7, 1983, a Convair 580 (registration N7517U) operated by Republic Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Sioux Falls, SD. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N7517U
Aircraft registered N7517U. Photo: Pete Macklin / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During a night landing approach, an aircraft collided with a bird that penetrated the windshield, striking the captain in the face. The co-pilot completed the landing due to the captain's incapacitation. Investigation revealed the windshield failed against a two-pound bird, below certification requirements.

Incident

Aircraft on a night landing approach struck a bird, resulting in the penetration of the windshield. The captain, who was flying the aircraft, was struck in the face by the bird and shattered glass. The co-pilot assumed control and completed the landing without further incident. The aircraft's speed at the time of impact was approximately 190 knots.

Investigation

Examination following the event determined that the windshield had been penetrated by a bird weighing two pounds. Certification standards require that windshields withstand, without penetration, the impact of a four-pound bird at cruise speed. The specifics of the bird species were not noted in the investigation findings.

Outcome

The landing was successfully executed by the co-pilot, and no additional events occurred. The condition of the captain after being struck was not detailed in the report, nor were any other occupant outcomes mentioned.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X45028. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.