In-flight bird strike causes engine control failure

Casualties unknown • Yardley, PA, US

A flight crew experienced severe aircraft instability and a jammed power lever following a loud bang and heavy buffeting during cruise flight.

What happened

While operating in cruise flight at 5,000 feet, the flight crew of the aircraft heard a loud bang followed by significant roll and yaw motions. The airplane experienced severe buffeting, which caused the autopilot to disengage. Upon inspection, the crew found that the number two power lever was jammed at a 68 percent torque position, leaving the airplane unstable about its roll axis. The aircraft subsequently landed uneventfully with no injuries reported.

The investigation

Following the landing, maintenance personnel and an FAA inspector conducted an examination of the aircraft. The inspection revealed evidence of two large bird strikes on the right wing. Structural damage was identified on the right wing spar cap, outer spar, ribs, and the lower skin area aft of the spar. Furthermore, the investigation found damage to the center section control pulleys and determined that the number two engine throttle control pulley had broken.

Probable cause

The impact of two large birds with the right wing caused structural damage and the breakage of the number two engine throttle control pulley, resulting in a jammed power lever and aircraft instability.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-10-13 Aerospatiale ATR 42-320 accident near Yardley, PA?

A flight crew experienced severe aircraft instability and a jammed power lever following a loud bang and heavy buffeting during cruise flight.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-10-13 involved a Aerospatiale ATR 42-320, registration N34820, operated by Continental Express Inc., at Yardley, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The impact of two large birds with the right wing caused structural damage and the breakage of the number two engine throttle control pulley, resulting in a jammed power lever and aircraft instability.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011018X02112. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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