What happened
During a scheduled Part 121 flight, a twin engine turboprop was on the downwind portion of its landing approach under night visual meteorological conditions. The aircraft was flying at approximately 1,800 feet MSL, roughly two miles southwest of its destination airport located in a coastal area.
The flight crew reported observing several birds shortly before feeling an impact. There were no injuries to the crew following the event.
The investigation
Upon landing, an inspection of the aircraft revealed damage to the leading edge of the left wing. Small biological remains were found on the leading edge, though the crew was unable to identify the species or size of the bird at the time of the incident.
Detailed examination of the wing damage showed denting along the leading edge and wrinkling of the upper wing surface, located approximately 4 feet inboard from the left wing tip. An internal inspection of the wing structure confirmed that two nose ribs were broken.
Biological material recovered from the wing was sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for forensic examination. The analysis identified the organic matter as a Common Eider.