Event Description
An airline transport certificated pilot departed on a scheduled commuter flight. About 10 minutes after departure, while at approximately 2,000 feet mean sea level (msl), the pilot heard and felt a thump. Immediately, the windshield became covered in blood, and the pilot noticed that the oil access door was open. The pilot returned to the departure airport.
Post-Flight Inspection
Upon landing, inspection revealed several areas of impact with birds. The windshield, vertical stabilizer, right wing root, and right wingtip all showed signs of impact. An examination of the right wing by the director of maintenance disclosed aft crushing of the leading edge and damage to a nose rib approximately six inches inboard from the tip.