Casualties unknown

Bird Strike During Night Approach Results in Damage to Aircraft (N73SW)

Lubbock, TX, US

On December 1, 1991, a Boeing 737-200 (registration N73SW) operated by Southwest Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IN FLIGHT COLLISION WITH GEESE. A FACTOR WAS THE DARK NIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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
Boeing 737-200
Photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives / Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On final approach at 190 knots and 4,700 feet MSL, a flight encountered a flock of Canadian geese. One goose penetrated the pressure bulkhead through the radome; another splattered debris over the captain's windshield. Other geese damaged fairings, wing roots, and Krueger flaps. The first officer landed the aircraft without further incident.

Incident Overview

During a nighttime approach, a flight established on final approach at 190 knots and approximately 4,700 feet MSL encountered a flock of Canadian geese. The flight crew did not see the geese before impact.

Impact and Damage

One goose penetrated the pressure bulkhead through the radome. Another goose splattered debris over the captain's windshield. Additionally, other geese in the flock damaged fairings, wing roots, and Krueger flaps.

Actions After Impact

The first officer took over the controls from the captain and landed the aircraft without further incident.

Conclusion

The aircraft sustained damage from multiple bird strikes during the approach, but the flight crew managed to land safely.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18456. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.