What happened
During the takeoff roll from runway 30 at Washington Dulles International Airport, Atlantic Coast Airways flight 7682, a Bombardier CL-600-2B19, struck two wild turkeys. Upon reaching approximately 110 knots, the captain aborted the takeoff. There were no injuries to the crewmembers or passengers, and the aircraft taxied back to the gate without further incident.
The investigation
A postflight inspection of N-number not provided revealed that one turkey had struck the number-two engine intake. Additionally, the first officer's windshield was found to be cracked, with the surrounding structure beneath it bent by the impact of another turkey. The second bird penetrated the pressure bulkhead and entered the rear of the instrument panel; however, this bird did not penetrate the windshield or its supporting structure. Investigators noted that the specific area where the turkey penetrated the pressure bulkhead was not strengthened for bird impact, nor was such reinforcement required.
Findings
At the time of the accident, a comprehensive airport wildlife management system was in effect at the airport.