Bird strike during ILS approach causes aircraft damage and passenger injury

Casualties unknown • Aberdeen, SD, US

An aircraft sustained significant damage and one passenger was injured after striking a flock of snow geese while on an ILS approach.

What happened

While performing an ILS approach at 600 feet above ground level, the aircraft impacted a flock of snow geese. The captain elected to continue the approach for landing following the strike.

After the aircraft was on the ground, the flight attendant notified the captain that a hole had been created in the side of the fuselage and that one passenger had sustained an injury. A doctor traveling on board the flight removed a piece of metal from the passenger's leg and provided first aid until an ambulance arrived.

Upon inspection of aircraft 402, significant damage was observed, including:

  • Geese found in both engine intakes
  • Three holes in the side of the fuselage
  • Propeller blades with missing sections
  • A broken side window and damage to both front windows
  • One missing windshield wiper and one broken wiper arm
  • Damage to one landing gear and one flap

The total number of injuries was 1.

Probable cause

The aircraft struck a flock of snow geese during the final approach phase of flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-11-09 Saab 340-B accident near Aberdeen, SD?

An aircraft sustained significant damage and one passenger was injured after striking a flock of snow geese while on an ILS approach.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-11-09 involved a Saab 340-B, registration N402XJ, operated by Mesaba Aviation, Inc., at Aberdeen, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft struck a flock of snow geese during the final approach phase of flight.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22266. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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